Milford chronicle., 1919-09-19
TEETH AND HEALTH
Bv r. ALLEN GRIFFITH, D. D. S.
nEALTn-A NATIONAL ASSET

The rejection of about 25 per cent
of the men in the army draft, many
of whom had remediable defects, is a
fact that shows the necessity for some
sort of national supervision Of health
Some cities have established medi-
cal and dental clinics in our schools.
Their work, while good as far as 1t
goes, does not go far enough.
Society can hardly afford to coun-
tenance the continuation OF a condl-
ton in which one-quarter OF It's best
manhood is physically unfit for army
service, largely as a result OF ignor7
ance and neglect.
Compulsory examination and treat
ment By the State has been suggested,
but il is doubtful if that would solve
the problem
Yet the draft has taught a lesson
that never should be forgotten.
ID has shown an easy way OF hand
ling the entire matter, and that way
is by compulsory military training.
Compulsory military training would
force all our young men to present
themselves for physical examination,
at which time all remediable defects
could be remedied.
One OF the serious defects discovered
In the draft was tuberculosis of the
lungs. This amounted to about per
cent and many of the men had absO-
lutely no knowledge of such cOndi-
tion. Defects of eye sight and heart
was the cause OF many exemptions.
Light exercise, good food and fresh
air for six months of compulsory mil
itary training would go long way
toward curing many Of these condi-
tions.
The percentage of men suffering
from yenereal diseases was large,
amounting to one-third in the case Of
a certain class. These men were cur
ed and in most instances returned to
civil life sound and well.
Lectures on personal hygiene and
right living were given to the men and
the lessons received will undoubtedly
be put into practice by most of them
for the rest Of their lives.
Army dentistry differs, in a great
many ways, from dentistry as prac-
ticed in civil life. The rorceps is NOT
the predominating instrument Of the
military dental surgeon, as many peo-
pie believe.
The army dental surgeon is allowed
TO do only regulation work for enlist
ed men. viz: Amalgam, cement and
synthetic filings, treatment of teeth
and treatment Of diseases Of the mouth
and gums, treatment of fractures or
wounds of the mouth and the extrac-
tion of teeth.
The government mas realized the
necessity of plain, common sense den
tai service and every effort is made
to save teeth by the insertion Of good,
permanent amalgam filings.
Pyorrhea was found to be very prev
alent among the men, and the army
dentist has a great advantage over the
civilian dentist, in that the army pa
tient must present himself when or
dered and the civilian does as he
pleases- mostly to his detriment.
Many Of the regimental dentists in
spected the mouth of their men month
ly. Lectures were given on oral hy-
giene. In some instances prizes were
given to the company with the clean
est teeth.
Where these methods were used the
men took great interest in everything
pertaining to their personal welfare.
Six months Of compulsory military
training. with various branches of 1
study and lectures.
Proper medical and dental service /
will be Of inestimable value to the men
and to the community at large.