DENTAL INSPECTION 



Waltham, Massachusetts, distributes a leaflet on the care of 

 the teeth, addressed to the parents of the school children : 



THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE 



Waltham, Mass. 

 To Parents: 



You are reminded of the necessity for early care of 

 children's teeth. With such care, the teeth may be preserved 

 throughout life. This will not only save much inconvenience 

 and discomfort in later life, but it may enable the child in the 

 meantime to live a more vigorous and hence a more successful 

 life. 



The condition of the teeth has much to do with the gen- 

 eral health. 



The following cautions, abbreviated from those issued 

 to teachers and school physicians by the Massachusetts board 

 of education, are commended to your attention: 



Unclean mouths promote the growth of disease germs, 

 and cavities in the teeth are centers of infection. 



Irregularities of the teeth, especially those which make 

 it impossible to close the teeth properly, thus leading to faulty 

 digestion and faulty breathing, should receive careful treat- 

 ment. 



The first permanent molars are perhaps the most impor- 

 tant teeth in the mouth. They come at about the sixth year, 

 immediately following the temporary teeth, and are the most 

 frequently neglected because they are often mistaken for 

 temporary teeth. 



It should be known that decay of the teeth is caused 

 primarily by the fermentation of starchy foods and sugars, 

 and that the greatest factor in preventing disease of the teeth 

 is the removal of food particles by frequent brushing. Chil- 

 dren should be prevented from eating crackers and candy 

 between meals, and when possible the teeth should be cleaned 

 after eating. Inspection of the teeth by a dentist should be 

 made at least once or twice a year. 



Your attention is also called to the prevalence of mala- 

 dies of the nose and throat. 



The health of a child and his ability to do his school work 

 may be seriously impaired by the presence of adenoid growths. 

 When a child shows obstruction of the nose by mouth breath- 



