The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-14
SUGAR. TEETH AND EARLY DEATH.


t~ ENER.AL MARCH compiled data Of S draft boards shows that American of 2i healthy and effective in the military in but 46 out of hundred The percentage of healthy bodies drops rapid y until between B and 36 it is but 15 in hundred
 In 1914 examination of children in Bridgeport schools proved that decayed teeth ouranked all other physical de- fects combined find many three chill dren in a hundred with absolutely sound teeth
 It is not the purpose of this editorial to explain the decayed teeth Modern investigation that multitude of deadly diseases spring from bad mouths
 Dr. Alfred Zones, thoughtful beyond the majority of citizens disturbed and alarmed by the conditions which hygienc inspection disclosed and he determined to find remedy for Bridgeport.
 As a consequences of his effort work hygiene begun in the schools of the city, in the latter part of 1914.
 The mouths of frequently inspected, cleaned dental hygeniss filings made when necessary.
 The work was begun grade children, the children followed through the grades for five
 Dr. Zones, in interesting pamphlet, considers of the results of their five of effort among the school ch dren.
 many factors mingle in the result
 One advantage that not be overlooked, is that of clean, healthy mouth, with freedom from toohache.
 In this alone is ample compensation for the time and ef fort involved in dental hygiene.
 But certain other large advantages already oepble Dental decay in the treated children has been re- duced by than third.
 The percentage Of reardaton has been reduced more fifty per
 A retarded is fails to complete the pre- scribed in the prescribed time.
 reeducaon of such children formerly cost per cent budget The retardaion n the Bridgeport schools has dropped to 17 per cent.
 Other factors contained in the case and the whole credit not perhaps due to the better health of the children coming healthier mouths It is certain that the saving retardation great deal than sufficient to pay for the of the children's teeth.
 children remain to complete their education The nearly always wants to leave school The who well in his studies usually is willing to continue them.
 This a social gain of marked importance
 There has been, since 1914, a reduction in the mortality three communicable diseases Dpthera reduced half Measles and scarlet fever almost disappeared.
 Dr. Tones system not be responsible for all of this reduction, it is entitled to credit for part of it.
 of the belief that the education of the child hygiene contributed lower death rate from 1nfu tion
 influenza spread through the discharges of the mouth nose, assumed that the long education given the dental hygien in the of the mouth factor Bridgeports low rate.
 teeth alone is not sufficient to insure sound 80 per individuals treated Dietary tial great of tooth carefully controlled in the diet children entirely eliminated
 Sugar makes teeth. Bad teeth dis and shorten life.
 hygiene will not prevent all unmely bodily de- cay, but it will prevent a large part of it.
 the methods which Dr. Zones has introduced to the Bridgeport could universally applied for uon would be a better showing of sound bodies.
 teeth and neglected mouths take pect of importance when they manifest in population half unsound at time when the human body should in the pink of condition.
 United States grateful for doing Bridgeport too grateful Bridge port sighted effort field preve ion.