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The extractions numbered 1,633 permanent and 7,694 temporary
teeth. Both nitrous oxide and local anaesthetics were employed, the
former being administered on 1,021 occasions.
Fillings were applied to 2,207 permanent and 65 temporary teeth.
The increase in the figures for treatment will indicate sufficiently
the progress that is being made.
The increase in the number of fillings, that is, in conservative work
is a source of satisfaction. It is regrettable, however, that so many
extractions have still to be made, but a clean mouth is of primary importance.
During the year a determined attempt has been made to clear
up many septic mouths, and one may confidently look forward to a
gradual decrease in the number of necessary extractions in the future,
with a corresponding increase in the number of fillings.
With regard to the extraction of permanent teeth, a great many of
these were removed for regulation purposes. Crowding of the teeth is
the commonest form of irregularity in the dentition, and in the majority
of cases this is remedied by judicious extraction. An examination of
children so treated during the year 1927 proved how satisfactory this
orthodontic procedure has been in nearly every case. Children whose
irregularities cannot be remedied by extraction are advised to seek
independent treatment at one of the Dental Hospitals.
Instruction in oral hygiene is given to children and parents on the
occasion of dental inspections or during visits to the Health Centres.
In addition, eleven lectures on the subject of dental hygiene were given in
the schools. It seems now that the greatest bar to the progress of dentistry
is the increasing consumption of sweets. The highly coloured tongues
and particles of sticky sweets clinging to the teeth that are seen in more
than half of the children's mouths prove how many more of these cheap
confections are being consumed. The constant reiteration of the dangers
of eating too many sweets is not simply a stunt of public health officers ;
one is forced more and yet more strongly to the conclusion that sweets
play a very large part in producing such deterioration of the teeth as is
found among the children—especially the town-dwelling children of to-day
A big increase in dental work in connection with Maternity and
Child Welfare is to be recorded for the year, when 42 sessions were
devoted to this work.
Children of pre-school age to the number of 121 were referred for
treatment and advice, of whom 100 were actually inspected; 184 attendances
were made for the extraction of 167 teeth and the application of
15 fillings.
Seventy nursing and expectant mothers were referred for examination.
Altogether 73 mothers attended on 247 occasions; 199 teeth
were extracted and fillings were applied to 126 teeth; 18 mothers had
their teeth scaled, and 31 were fitted with artificial dentures.
(Signed) C. E. MAINWARING, L.D.S.
(i) Orthopaedic Treatment.—During the year the Orthopaedic
Surgeon saw, on the occasion of his monthly visits, 93 school
children for the first time. There were 146 re-inspections of these
or other children already undergoing treatment. Four children
were advised operative treatment and 72 were advised massage
and special exercises. The attendances for massage numbered 812.
Seven children were supplied with surgical appliances.