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Forty-nine per cent of the children were found to be in satisfactory health and
free from any defect and there were 14% in whom there was no defect except for carious
teeth.
There are two noteworthy changes from defects found in 1953:- an increase in dental
defects from 390 to 485, and an increase in defects of hearing from 7 to 13. The latter may
well be due to a more careful search for impairment of hearing which has resulted from the
opening of the Audiology Unit referred to later.
The increase in dental decay is greatly to be deplored. With the continued shortage
of dentists in the Council's service it has not been found possible to make much progress
with a scheme whereby every toddler can be offered regular dental Inspection at the Maternity
and Child Welfare Centre. This is unfortunate because the preservation of healthy temporary
teeth is important both in maintaining the child's general health, and for the formation of
sound and well shaped permanent teeth. The Health Visitors have persevered in their efforts
to give guidance to mothers on how to preserve their children's teeth through suitable diet
and cleansing, but there is little doubt that they would be more effective if supported by
timely advice, examination, and any necessary treatment given by the dentist.
Jelly Tests for Tuberculosis. After consultation with the Chest Physician it was
decided to offer "jelly tests" to all children attending Forest Street Child Welfare Centre
for a "birthday examination". This is intended as a "pilot scheme" and if successful will
be extended to all parts of the borough. The response was good. Out of 828 children
examined, 683 were tested, and out of this 677 were negative, showing they had not yet
acquired the infection.
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