gout and rheumatism, which in turn frequently destroy the
bony support of the teeth and bring about Riggs's Disease. The last
named is a prevalent and disfiguring disease, whose symptom is receding
gums. The irritating toxins deposited on the teeth cause inflammation
of the tissues at the gum margins. The gums withdraw more and more from
sections of the teeth; the poisons get underneath and work back toward
the roots; the infection increases and hastens the loosening of the
teeth. I know of a man who had all of his teeth extracted at twenty-one
years of age, because he was told that this was the only treatment for
this disease, which was formerly thought to be incurable. Yet thorough
cleansing and removal of this matter from under the edges of the gums,
disinfection, a few visits to the dentist, will stop the recession but
cannot regain lost ground.

Among those who regularly use the toothbrush, instinct, comfort, or
display is the ruling motive, while a small percentage have evolved to
the anti-nuisance stage, where the aesthetic standard of their group
forbids any member to neglect his teeth. The anti-slum and pro-slum
motives for mouth cleanliness and dental sanitation have been awakened
in but one or two places. A significant pro-slum activity is the dental
clinic organized by forty volunteer dentists, acting for an industrial
school maintained by the New York Children's Aid Society.

[Illustration: NEW YORK CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY'S DENTAL CLINIC
FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN]

Here 550 children have been examined, 447 teeth extracted, 284 teeth
filled, 200 teeth treated for diseased pulp (and only 24 sets cleaned),
40 dentists taking turns in giving time to this work. The equipment
cost but $239; cards and stationery, $72; incidentals, $33. The
principal attends the clinic, because in her presence no child is
willing to confess fear or unwillingness. To supplement this work, the
dentists have prepared for free distribution a leaflet which tells in
short, clear sentences how to care for the teeth.

[Illustration: (leaflet)]

+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| A DENTAL CATECHISM =When should they be cleansed?= |
| |
| =What are the teeth for?= Immediately after the morning and |
| noonday meals and before going to |
| To masticate food