Some Aspects of Dental Caries.
September 27: Address by Mr. J. L. Saunders, Director, Dental Division, Department of Health.

Dental caries was an economic problem, and theories as to its cause formed the theme of the speaker's opening remarks. It is a disease of western civilisation which is almost universal in its incidence. It has become a major economic and public health problem, as neglect of teeth trouble is the cause of 50 per cent, of all ill-health. Most present efforts are directed towards the repair of affected teeth as the prevention of the disease is a difficult matter as insufficient is known of its causes. By means of lantern slides the speaker explained the onset and development of the disease. The predisposing causes of dental caries are not really known, but white flour and sugar are held to be among the most important foods bringing about tooth decay. New Zealand offers a large field for investigation, and Mr. Saunders detailed certain experiments undertaken in this country. He stated that food was the main contributing factor to dental caries both from the dietary and dental points of view. The average New Zealand diet is deficient in fruits, vegetables and dairy products. The final solution of the caries problem lies in the intensified and intelligent education of the people, particularly mothers, in the selection and preparation of food stuffs.