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lation is a changing population) it is necessary to stress the
formation of the correct habit. Children who clean their teeth
'naturally' brush their teeth crosswise, generally with their
morning wash. This usually precedes breakfast by ten minutes,
which means that their teeth are clean for so many minutes
in twenty-four hours. Further, crosswise brushing does not
remove the all-important particles from between the teeth. To
be beneficial it is necessary to clean the teeth after the last
food has been taken for the night and after breakfast in the
morning in order that teeth may be free from food particles
for the longest possible periods. To be effective, brushing
must be from the gums towards the biting edges of the teeth
—forcing the bristles in between the teeth.
Dentists see the children after damage may have occurred
from this cause. Teachers however are in a more advantageous
position, and as the benefits of correct oral hygiene
last for so many years, it is worth the risk of repetition, or
of preaching to the converted, to solicit the further aid of
teachers to give instruction in a matter so important to the
children's welfare.
One of the most satisfactory features of the scheme is the
active co-operation of Head teachers. The smooth working of
the scheme particularly in relation to kept appointments is
largely to the credit of teachers.
'The details of the year's work are set out below and on
pages 15, 16, 37 and 38.
During the year 4,204 children were inspected, 3,817
as routines and 387 as specials. Of this total 3,252 or 77.85%
were found to require treatment and of this number 2,203
or 67.74% were actually treated at the Clinic.
The following table shows in comparative form for each
school, the number of children with sound teeth, the number
with unsound teeth, the numbers treated, and the percentage
dentally sound, when treatment has been completed:—
88