Parental Neglect of Children

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 4, 1908

Parental Neglect of Children

EXAMINATIONS conducted in connection with a campaign throughout the United States for greater attention to the health of schoolchildren disclose the remarkable carelessness in the proper care of the eyes and teeth, and a widespread ignoring of the evils attendant on a common use of public drinking cups.

Some cases have been cited in Illinois that are said to be illustrative of conditions in many places.

At Alton the mouths of 1,594 children were examined, and 1,109 had teeth requiring immediate filling; 600 of the children had never been to a dentist, and 708 visited a dentist only when forced to do so by pain. All but thirty-seven out of the 1,594 required some form of dental treatment, but the parents were neglecting having it given them.

At Quincy 1,569 children were examined, and 1,412 were found with teeth requiring immediate filling, with an average of five teeth a child. Only 157 had teeth requiring no immediate attention. Of the total number examined 631 reported having no tooth-brush; and in some cases where there was a tooth-brush in the house, it was used by all the members of the family.

These sample statistics ought to convince people of the necessity of giving early and constant attention to the teeth of their children—in the first place, by providing brushes and inculcating habits of regular cleaning at home, and in the second place, by dental examination and treatment.

Many parents are apt to neglect some of the primary precautions that should be taken for the future welfare of their children. Gradually they are being made to realize the importance of the subject but there is even yet too much carelessness.—Spokane Review.