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From the data available and personal observation, one
can only forecast further deterioration, with increasing rapidity, as long as present conditions prevail. ▲s you are aware, the depleted quantities, and in some cases complete absence, of the articles of dist suitable for Europeans, especially those rich in Calcium, is responsible for the present unsatisfactory state of the dental health of the internees. Further trauble may be expected from cases of mal-coelusion as many instances have been found already. Under normal circumstances these could be obviated by replacing the extracted opposing teeth with one, two or three-tooth dentures, as required. At no time since the Camp started have we had sufficient material to do these small but important jobs. All the materials have gone to the making of den- tures for the most urgent cases, to whom they were essential for the proper mastication of their food. There ar even many of these latter still awaiting dentures.
GENERAL COMMENTS ON DENTAL WORK CARRIED OUT DURING 1943 AND
THE DENTAL HEALTH OF THE CAMP.
The dental health of the internees is good considering the circumstances. Although the total number of cases increased by 64%, the number of extractions was reduced by 20%. This is ascribed to the fact that
numerous extractions were necessary in the first few months of internment due
to lack of attention both before and after the outbreak of hostilities. The
increased advantage taken this year in the camp of prophylaxis has resulted in teeth being saved. This increase is instanced by the items such as treat- ment and fillings increased by 66% and 17% respectively; examination increased by 50%. Although the same aseptis conditions prevailed in the Clinic as pre- viously, post-operative treatment was more than doubled, due to the lowered resistance to sepsis in the cases concerned. This is of course, general in
the camp.
There was one ease of Ludwig's Angina which appeared five days after the extraction of seven badly decayed and broken down teeth. This ease was referred to Prof. Digby who operated without delay with excellent results,
Mechanical Work. This showed an increase in the number of cases new and repair work of about 14%. This was rendered necessary by people requiring replacements in the ordinary course, and by repairs, remodelling, and
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