The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-08-20
SCHOOL CHILDREN SHOULD
HAVE TEETH INSPECTION
Those Taking Up Studies Should
Be Free From Dental Trouble

In order that you may be certain
that your six-year old daughter or
son will start to school free from the
discomfort and handicaps of teeth
that need attention, take the children
this week to your family dentist for
an examination and for whatever
needs to be done, is the advice of DR..
Richard C. Leonard, Chief of the Di-
vision of Oral Hygiene of the State
Department of Health, to mothers and
fathers whose youngsters will enter
school this fall.
Every few parents realize" DR..
Leonard said, "that tooth decay is a
disease and that children with de-
cayed, that is, diseased, teeth are ac-
tually i'll children. Diseased teeth can
set up train of troubles that ulti-
mately can undermine the health of
the entire system. ..
Gwen if the child is apparently free
from tooth troubles, every growing
girl and boy should be taken to the
dentist at least twice year. 1t saves
time and trouble for one of these
visits to be made before school opens.
These regular visits will give the
dentist an opportunity to note the
condition of the mouth, to make cor
rections necessary to keep the teeth
in good condition, and to safeguard
the teeth so that they can perform
the function for which they are in
tended, that is, to chew the food.
children who are just starting in
to school need particularly careful in
spection. They have their first or
baby teeth, and these teeth have sew
eral years service before them. Baby
teeth should have as much care as is
given to the permanent teeth. Then,
in addition, the first-grader has prob
ably just cut the six year molars, the
first of the permanent teeth. These
teeth are four of the most important
we have, and they should be most
carefully safeguarded. Dentists call
them the keystones of the dental arch.
"While you are having the chill
dren's teeth attended to, remember
that these regular visits to the fam
lily dentist are just as important for
the older boys and girls, as for the
youngsters. See that they, too, start
in to school this fall, with their teeth
in as healthy condition as possible.
Boys and girls who are going away
to school or college should by all
means visit the family dentist before
they go.
"You want to remember, also, that
no matter how we'll the dentist does
his work, there are other factors that
play an important part in keeping the
mouth healthy. Tooth building food,
is one of them. Milk, green, leafy
vegetables, and fresh fruits, contain
the substances that help to build the
teeth capable of resisting decay. They
should be included in the child's diet
every day. And don't forget to give
some hard foods to chew on, like crus-
ty bread and toast, so that the teeth
will get proper exercise.
another essential in keeping the
mouth healthy is the thorough cleans
ing of the mouth. This should be
done at least twice a day-before
breakfast and before going to bed.
Even a very small child can acquire
that habit.
Teachers all agree that the we'll
child is not only the happy child,
but is the one who makes the best
progress in school. You will find
that healthy mouth has a greet deal
to do with your child's health and
happiness, and progress in school,"