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this point begins to assume a position of some importance. Consequently
a vigorous programme of dental health education was pursued throughout
the year and with the unhesitating co-operation of the Education Department,
health visitors, teachers and dental staff all played invaluable
roles in the process.
A dental hygiene kit campaign similar to that of the previous
year was carried out and involved more than two thousand infant school,
nursery school and playgroup children.
March was dental health month and during the four weeks all
clinics exhibited displays in connection with the attainment and
maintenance of healthy gums and teeth.
The "Apples for Schools" scheme was expanded in an effort to
reduce the amount of sweets and biscuits sold in school tuckshops.
Although the expansion was slow, it has nevertheless been obvious.
In the late spring one of the large toothpaste manufacturers
offered to supply, free of charge, with free transport and distribution,
toothpaste samples to all primary school children in the borough. The
offer was taken up and as a result, eleven and a half thousand toothpaste
samples were handed out.
Throughout the year, health visitors have continued to give
talks and demonstrations on the importance of dental health to expectant
and nursing mothers and also to school children of all age groups. This
continuous process of providing information, guidance and help forms one
of the most valuable aspects of health education.
Fluoridation
Fluoridation of community water supplies remains the safest and
most effective way of producing a dramatic reduction in the amount of
tooth decay. This reduction can reach 50 - 60 per cent of those just
starting school and beneficial effects are continued into middle age.
Reduction in human discomfort and in the amount of time lost from school
and work as a result of dental disease would more than justify the
implementation of this process by the borough.
Unfortunately the Metropolitan Water Board is not prepared to
undertake fluoridation unless there is one hundred per cent agreement
with all the boroughs supplied through its system. Although at the moment
about three quarters of the London Boroughs are in favour of the idea,
opposition from the remaining quarter is merely delaying for its children
the provision of an immensely beneficial and safe public health measure.