The Journal of the Philippine Dental Association

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Part of The Journal of the Philippine Dental Association

Title: The Journal of the Philippine Dental Association
Issue Date: Volume III (Issue No. 2) February 1950
Year: 1950
Language: English
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extracted text: _· THE ·~ Jui. OF THE ~ PHILIPPINE DENTAL ASSOCIATION CONTENTS Editorial ..... ........ ......... · .......................... . ll The Presldeat's Page . .. . . .. .. .. .. • . . . .. . .. . . • • • • • .. . • • .. • 4 For Our Cblldren-1- Tooth ~y-Eraila ...... , . . . . . . . . 5 Wanted: Superior Living-Packer .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . ~ Effects of Atomic, Roentgen, Radium RacllaUo-TolelitlnO' ... 1S The B4!1f-Curlng Filling Plaatlc-Brod&ky ........ . ...... . . , 19Portralt of the Month: Dr. I. Horaelo Yanzo-Noroiia . . . . . . 25 Current News Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Letter to the Editor . .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. st Ahstraeta .. .. .. .. .. .. • .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 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Henn, again unlihe 1oap, ii ne1lher imlalel, leounon "'ilohng depaul nor eurll a hrotalyhc ocl•on Ph1..,de•m" al"' uoluoble '" olher der"'o• lological <ondirion1 NOT onitooted by "'"P ····=•11ph,.ocl••m •• abaut 40"·• more ocliwe lhon "'ap, lawe11 1urlace ••n1io" of wcUe• too much"g•eale• de3ru, oncl ;, o pawerlul emul1ifie• and pepli1e1 of •oil. Hence a markecl '"creafe lr=111mm111111'" .apidily ond efliciency Only ''• leospaon ti u.!I ol Phi111derm is required lo• lha•Ough cl-nsing - a"d lha1·1 nea•ly 4000' wofhi"g• per gallan Hol ar ::~~~l::,•d or sall wale• - even cald ua waler - are adequole Vu PHISODERM ASll' YOU• DfAlH - PhiHde"n i1 •upplied In 111uart bollle1 fo• ~ ==~~ .. :~~ .. ~~~~.~~:; 11~•i,.1a11 llAU" di1pen1.,-woll b•ock· el unit available. You Owe 11 la You• Ho,,ch , • lo rou,.ell 110 Y .. 11(1 Slllfl ... !w YOU ll .... 'r. HESACRYL The Self-Curing Filling Plastic * For anterim· and i)osterior fillings, ind.sal "dgt•s und ,Jacket Crowns. * For rt'l>lacing l>arts of broken facings in the mouth without remo\'al of the bridge. * For •repairing plastic hridp;t•s in the mouth. TI.lIE-S.4 l'ING JIOIIE !Jl'Ii.11!1,/,' Arailubfr i11 oue-colu1 Oii(/ .J-('o/or 1u1ckag('.'~. Sold 011 Cf 11/0IH'!J-lmck f11Utr<111fee. Discounts to whobsalers K.KASCHNER MANUFACTURERS REPRESJ<~NTATIVE I'. 0. Box 24i0, Manila Tels. 6-63-25; 3-21-2i ORDER BLANK Plc<1."lf' ,"lt'11d Ill<' to 111!1 addrn;.'i lu1 low: 011r' color packO!J<' HESACRYL ,"\/Wdr· fh1Tt' color packHf/t' H~BSAC/tl'l~ .'i/1t1d1·s J11sf!'11clio11 illrlmfrd with each 1mc/rnuc. 1'12.50 r25.oo hcn·1rith t'lll'lo."lt' 1Tmiffr111c(' iu thr• rrnw1111f of P ......... . ESCARTE DEnTAL LABORATORY l<:sta blished I!JI i (}mtlifinl JJ11rnlliu111 IAtlwnifory lt-:-120 Somumillo Bldg. fi19 t;st•olta, l\lanlla J•'rhrm1r~· l!lilO PHILIPPINE DENTAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1949-1950 Germanico A. Carreon, president . . R-219 Samanillo Bldg., Escolta, Manila Pedro A. Baftez, president-elect . . . . . . . . . . . . R-228 De Leon Bldr;., Rizal Ave., Manila Fausto G. Tapiador, vice-president for Luzon . . . 707 Esoaiia, Samoaloc, Manila Ricardo Y. Ladrido, vice-president for Visayas . . . . . . . 1377-B Tait Ave., Manila Leon A. Castro, vice-president for Mindanao ......................... , , , .. , , Cotabato, Cotabato Concepcion Gutierrez, treasurer . . . . . ... , . . . Alcazar Bldg., Carriedo, Manila ~:~~=c~· :~,~~~m1::.":,o':rdm~;mb~~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . · · · · · 'ne::.1 o?O::i s~~:~y.0~C~: ~=~::: Leonilo F. Antonio, board member R-203 Villonco Bldg., Quezon Blvd., Milnila Joaquin Ladao, board member . . R-236 Re1ina Bldg., Escolta, Manila Faustino F. Turla, board member R-236 Regina Bldg., Escolta, Manila Paci(ko V, Noroiia, executive secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1110 Azcarraaa, Manila CHAPTERS Albay Dental Society Agaton Ursua, president , ................. . Pedro Ruiz, vice-president .. . Mercedes Arcilla, secretary Leocadio S. Rangel, president . Baguio Dental Society Paulino Quirimit, vice-president ..... . Natividad Disini Florendo, secretary .. Batangas Dental Society C. S. Ambida, president • . . . . . . . . . ........... . Maximina Maloles, vice-president .. Juan Perei, secretary • . . . . ........................ . Atanacio N. llano, president ..... . Francisco del Rosario, vice-president Esmeralda Trias, secretary •... Pedro Villarosa, president .... D. P. Montecillo, vice-president Marina Osmeiia, secretary Faustino Galvan, president ..... . Jose K. Fernandez, vice-president . Jorie de Perio, secretary ....... . Lucio Tapia, president ... Tino Castillo, vice-president Pedro M. Morales, secretary Emilio Gatanela, president Lily Z. Fullon, secretary Ildefonso Cinco, president . . . . .. Godofredo Benedicto, vice-president Ca.vile Dental Society Cebu Dental Society Dai:;upan City Dental Society Davao Dental Society Iloilo Dental Sl'.lciety Leyte Dental Society Francisco Quintero, secretary . . . .........•................ Hypatia V, Bern.rdo, president Oswaldo Cruz, vice-president Jesusita Gino, secretary • , Malabon Dental Society Manila Dental Society Legaspi, Albay Legaspi, Albay Legaspi, Albay Baguio C:ty Baguio City Bai:;uio City Batangas, Batangas Sto. Tomas, Batanga5 Batangas, Batangas Cavite City . . . Cavite City . ... , , Cavite City C,ebu City . . . Cebu City Cebu City Dagupan City Dagupan City Dagupan City Davao City Davao City Davao City . . . lloilo City . . . lloilo Cit) Tacloban, Leyte Tacloban, Leyte Tacloban, Leyte Malabon, Rizal Malabon, Rh:al Malabon, Rizal Bienvenido B. Erafia, president . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1201 Arlegui, Quiapo, Manila Donato R. Dionisio, executive vice-president Monte de Pit'dad Bldg., Plaza Cta, Cruz, Manila Irene Leaiio-Simbol, vice-president (North) 631 Quezon Blvd., Quiapo., Man:ia Arsenio Ustaris, vice-president (South) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1428 Herran, Paco, Manila Daniel Pineda, secretary 62J Raon, Quiapo, Manila Rafael Letada, president ..... Pedro Yaiieza, vice-presiclent Masbate Dental Society Masbate, Masbate Masbate, Masbate N<lgros Occidental Dental Society Gregorio Improgo, president . Ricardo Jamora, vice-president Roberto Juson, secretary , , .• . ............ .. Bacolod, Nea;ros Occidental Ba :olod, Negros Occidental Bacolod, Negl'<ls Occidental Gaudencio' . R. Noble, president ... ~egros Oriental Dent111l Society Placido Matta, vice-president Dumaguete, Negros Oriental Dumaguete, Negros Oriental Dumaguete, Negr05 Oriental Luciano N. Zerrudo, secretary ........................ . Jose C. Quiwa. president Domingo B. Cahna, vice-president Araceli P. Suarez, secretary .. Leonardo Guevara, president . • Rafael Maclang, vice-president Mario J. Baltazar, secretary . Pampanga Dental Society Tarlac Dental Societ7 ............. Z11mboanga Dental Society Juan A, Bello, president ..... Juan Fernandez, vice-president Teofilo Alvarez, secretary ......• , , , , , , , , , , , , , , San Fernando, Pampanga Guagua, Pampanga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angeles, Pampani:;a Tarlac:, Tarlac Tarlac, Tarlac Tarlac, Tarla.: Zamboanga City, Zamboanp Zamboanga. City, Zamboanga Zamboanp City, Zamb?tinga February .umo The Journal ofthc PHILIPPINE DENTAL ASSOCIATION February 1950 • Volume III • Number 2 Published monthly by the Philippine Dental Association Yearly subscription rates: 1"10.00 for members; P12.00 for non-members Entered as second class mail matter at the Manila Post Office on August 19, 1949 Editorial Office: 219 Samanillo Bldg., Escolto, Manila · Germanico A. Carreon, D.M.D., F.I.C,D. Pacifico V. Noroi\a, D.M.D. Edifori.a/ .-l.-r:1is!a,1t Etlitar Pedro A. Baficz, D.D.S. ll11.~i11c>1>1 .Uauayt·r "NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAi, HEALTH DAY" Dental science, within the last few years, has made tremendous progress that today various drugs and procedures with which to combat dental diseases are now available. The advent of sodium fluoride and other means in the prevention of dental caries has focused the attention of dentists to the dental care of children. We should be glad about this concern over the dental health of the child population, to which little attention has been paid in the past, if it was not altogether neglected. It is our responsibility to see to it that our children possess clean and healthy mouths in order that they may fully enjoy the joys of life. These little citizens of today, who are the country's leaders of tomorrow, rightly deserve the growing interest which we are showing to them. Th2 Federation Dentaire Internationale, realizing the importance of paying particular attention to the dental health of children, approved a resolution at its 37th annual session held in Milan, Italy, last year, "That widespread treatment programs for the adult population of any nation should be instituted only after proper provision has been made for the adequate dental care of the child population." In the Philippines, however, not so much interest is displayed by the people and the profession in children's dental health as is the ·case in .the United States. As a step /towards arousing more interest in dentistry for children in this country, the idea of launching a "National Children's Dental Health Day", may be worthy of consideration. This will focus public attention on dental health. and inculcate on the minds of our children the value of having healthy and well-functioning masticatory apparatuses. It will be an effective weapon in the local dental profession's fight against dental disease as it has proved to be in th2 United States, where a similar program was launched a year ago on a nation-wide basis. This year, President Truman has proclaimed February 6 as "National Children's Dental Health Day" in America. We feel that a Presidential Proclamation for the nation-wide observance of National Children's Dental Health Day" will be the key that will unlock the latent interest of the people in dental health, particularly for our children, and we look forward to the time when this program will be a regular annual celebration in this country. Feb1·uar:r 1950 THE PRESIDENT'S PAGE We inaugurated this column last month with an intimate discussion on the tremendous responsibility which falls upon a person who heads any organization. We also stressed the fact that in order to justify th2 existence of an association it must have a noble purpose to achieve and a definite mission to fulfill. Our choice as president-elect of th·2 Philippine Dental Association in October 1948 came at a time when the heated controversy between the Secretary of Health and th:> Association over the abolition of the practical tests in the dental board examination was at its height. Our election, therefore, may be considered as an .aftermath of said controversy. Whether our elevation to the presidency was our good fortune or not is not for us to judge. Suffice it to say, how2ver, that we never sought the position. As a matter of fact, we never ev·2n dreamed, in all sincerity, that at this early stage of our professional life we shall already be heading a large organization, professional in nature and national in scope. Of course we have been activ-2 in Association work for many years. We joined the National Dental Association (now the Philippine Dental Association) immediately after our graduation from college in 1937 beeause w-2 considered it the obligation of every new dental graduate to help the profession build a strong national organization. We have always taken great interest in the affairs of the Association. Either as an officer or as a simple member we tried to s2rve the Association as faithfully as we could; we always made it " point not to miss any of its activities and when a special task was assigned to us we were always ready to perform it for the good of the profession. We had remained loyal, as we still are, to the cause of organized dentistry in the Philippines. The war had put a stop to all Association activities and the occupation of the country by the enemy had somehow brought brothers of th·2 profession closer to each other to the end that petty differences were almost entir2ly forgotten. Taking advantage of this situation we took immediate steps after liberation in 1945 to lay the groundwork for a unified dental association, with no other purpose in mind than to serve the best interests of the profession. W2 have always maintained the belief that only through a united front could the dentists of the country expect to achieve more with relatively less efforts. A great many of our colleagues in the profession shared with us th2 same view but what mattered most then was how to achieve it. The battle for liberation resulted in the destruction of our towns and l"ities, and most of our colleagues could not be found in their former addresses. Some were unfortunate victims of th2 war, others who survived were busy rehabilitating themselves. Notwithstanding this, we undertook the task of walking through the ruins of the city in an effort to locate our colleagues. We negotiated with Dr. Joaquin Ladao, pre-war president of the Na• tional Dental Association of the Philippines, and Dr. Ermelo Verge! de Dios, pre-war head of the once-defunct Sochdad Dental de Filipinas, (Cmitinu.ed 011 page 12) FOR OUR CHILDREN-LESS TOOTH DECAY By Ble11\.·~nldo B. Eraitia,* D.lH.D., .P.I.C.D. A young child, in the middle of her tooth structure extending to the nerves meal, suddenly screams at the top of of the tooth, consequently bringing about her voice, refuses to eat any further, its death, thereby causing putrefaction keeps on moaning throughout the whole and abscess formation. night until the wee hours of the morn- The question therefore arises: Must ing, keeping the whole household - at the people of the civilized world keep on least the parents-awake, all because of suffering from caries? Can something a tooth-ache! Another child starts to tangible not be done to reduce, if not to develo1> a swelling of the face, to the .. )mrJ!etely avoid or eliminate, the decav extent of running a high fever and chills, of our teeth? · JIOssibly blood poisoning, necessitating doc- There have been so many methods and tors, "Miracle Drugs" and even hospital- so many theories concerning the control ~~:~~n~.~~!~ ~ee;a~oseth~f de:t:a;;t~ts 0~ul~ Jf this universal disease: decay of the teeth, which has become one of the vital and subsequent infection. A father of a problems of modem dental pract'ice. The family 1:°8~ complain. ?f frequent. head- most hopeful method of preventing clecay aches; du:zmess, arthritis, rheumat1~m, o.r Jf the teeth that has come to the limesome ty~~s h ofte h;a~·t trou~lte :r ~~m di~light 'and which has been seriously con~~~:~d ':i;~ical :ue:ti::~·sisThisesf~t~e;0~; ;;idered and _investigated by sci~ntists and ::~ fi~m~~ i~al~i:e o~~e f:.:~ ~::1~:-;~:n;~ ~·~:e8l~:1~~:a\~ t~:n~~ ~s:O~~:~:~:: :h~:~ any of the above complaints, his whole is very conservative in its recommendafamily suffers economically and other- tions, reports that Fluoride solutions when propel'ly applied to the teeth are capable of a l:mited inhibiting effect on wise. All the above incidents and similar tooth decay in children and that this ones could be attributed to dental trou- method is deserving of attE"ntion as a iiublic health measure of potential importance. As we all know scientists are \'c::ry reserved in their expressions, statem(.nts, and recommendations. The mere fact that they consider this fluorine question seriously ~rnd not only ~s a passing fad or fancy, is enough for the laity to realize that, definitely, fluorine solutions with regards to partial control of dental decay is here to stay. !Jle; principally and basically from dentUl caries or decay of the teeth. The father of the above family has experienced symptoms of s<.>condary infections, the focus or foci of which may be due to devitalized or dead teeth. A dead tooth is one whose nerve or pul11 has djed, pathologicklly or intentionally, thus the term: dead, devitalized, or non-vital. Orclinarily, with a few exceptions, death of the pulp or nerve of a tooth ig brou~ht about by an untreated dental cavity, which leads to the continued decay of the Thi>< l'.1·lil'lt" was crl;dnall.y in:i;nded for 11. lay m:1A"1U.:ine, hence iL wws writlen u lesa technical a~ prn:c .. ible. It a1111eai-<'d in "This Week". Sunday Mn2a..,.i·ne or the M.t.nila Chronicle, Dee. l!l, 1948. *Rl>~ent, Dh11.rict No, 30, Intif'rnn.tif',nnl Collf111;e or Dur' isl><: and former rhni1·man, hnnrd or dental .. x:iminers. FPhr1111ry 1950 The method employed by the denfo~ts is known as the "Topical" or direct upplication of fluorine solutions to the teeth. Dentists must know enough about the subject before attempting to put this method into practice, in view of the fact that fluorine, when not diluted correctly for topical app:ications, may produce The .Journal of the Phtllppine Dental Association harmful results. It is best to rememb~r that fluorine like chlorine and iodine, is a member of the chemical .family known as the halogens, and is very pungent and corrosive; that it is used commercially for etching glasses and therefore can not even be kept in glass containers. The question may arise: Of all elements 01· drugs, why was fluorine chosen? Dr. Frederick S. Mckay of Colorado Springs, Colorado, wrote a historical survey which led to the discovery of fuorine in relation to teeth. He traces it way back to 1908, when the Colorado Spring Dental Society decided to investigate the cause of what was then known as the "Colorado Brown Stain." This was a name given to the conspicuous phase of the lesion-a brown discoloration on the labial surfaces of the upper front teeth. The first step taken was to "screen" the people who had it. The result of the classification of the cases was that only the people who spent their childhood in . that community had the lesion, and that the adults who moVed into the community never contl'acted the stain. Some people who spent their childhood in this particular community and later on moved to some other parts a\\•ay from this region also had the stains. The communities around Colorado Spring were examined, and from all aspects, they were identical with Colorado Spring except that these communities did not share the same source of drinking water because Colorado Spring got its drinking water from the Pikes Peak water shed, while others did no!.. It was discovered that the Pikes Peak water shed was rich in cryolite, a mineral containing large amounts of fluorine. One of the most important phases of this investigation was the association of Dr. G. V. Black, who became very ii1terested in this new dental pathological lesion, that he decided to go to Colorado Spring in 1909. Dr. Frederick S. Mckay and Dr. G. V. Black joined forces in directing the series of investigations which lasted for more than 20 years and nut confined to Colorado alone. The> investigations were so thorough and so broad in scope that carried Dr. Frederick S. Mckay and Dr. G .V. Black to other afflicted areas in other American States and to some countries in Europe such as Italy, Holland, Poland, and France.· One of the conclusions derived from these investigations was that teeth with the "Colorado Brown Stain" or mottled enamel were less liable to decay. Iii the community of Oakley, Idaho, the inhabitants noticed that something was happening to the teeth of their children. It was discovered that several years before, water was piped from a spring in the hi11s to supply the town as a help to the inadequate shallc1w wells. A few years after, the eruptinir. teeth of the children started to show signs of mottled enamel. However, chiltl1~en of the surrounding ranches whose water did not come from the town's water supply, were free from the .defect. - The town decided to change the source of water supply. Eight years aftm·wards Oakley was again visited anrl examined and by that time there were iiew teeth that have erupted after the change in the water supply. These new teeth did not show any sign of mottling and appeared to be normal. .\ similar incident occurred in Bauxite, a community of Arkansas, where a new Water supply was piped into the to~vn. Ten years after, anothe1· examination was conducted in this community. Teeth of young children who were born after the installation of the new water supply which was free from fluorine, were examined. and a very surprising conclusion was derived. Again it was disto· vered that these new teeth were m.-t mottled but as a whole there was higher· rate of dental decay or dental c!lries than in the last examination of the mottled teeth, which was conducted ten years previously. One must bear in mind that throughout these series of investigations, samples of the different waters were being constantly analyzed and the eor!dusion frnm these series of experiments and the FehrunrY 1900 For Our Children-Less Tooth Decay-Erai'i.a results of various analysis were: Fluo1·ine is the element responsible for th<' production of the "Colorado Brown Stain" or mottled enamel and that fluorine is ahm the element responsible for the resistance of the teeth to dental dE-cay. It is very interesting to note that the very agent or element that causes one ailment-"Dental Fluorosis" or mottled teeth, could prevent another ailment which is dental caries. What, then, is the proportion or amount of fluorine that causes one malady and prevents another? Dr. H. Trendley Dean of the United States Public Health Service, and his co-workers tackled this p.N>blem with the result that the effectiveness of tracel)uautities of fluorine in drinking water is fairly well established. The optimum concentration of fluorine in potable water which affords this protection without apparent effects of dental fluorine (mottled enamel) is 1.0 part per million, while a fluorine content of 21h parts per million could cause the lession. According to the standards for drinking water as established by the United States Public Health Service, a concentration of 1.0 part per million of fluorine in potable water has been specified as the maximum permissable concentration. It is in the concentration that artificial fluorination of various water supplies of some communities in the United States are being conducted. It is unfortunate that no actual results and findings can be obtained until about 1950 or 1955 when ten years or more will have passed since the start of this artificial fluorination of water suppl)'. It will be only then when the teeth of the children who will have been born and will have grown up in these communities could actually be examined and positive results and data obtained. However, the different authorities on the subject are most enthusiastic about adding fluorine to drinking water and are of the conviction that individuals or inhabitants who will have drunk this fluorinated water since early childhood will February 1950 have teeth very much more resistant ti decay. At the ninety-fourth conference of the New York Institute of Clinical Oral Pathology held in October 1944, Dr. Arthur G. Merrit, Chairman, stated in part, "-For years there has been an increasing interest in the relation of f1uorine to dental caries. The possibility of immunizing an entire community against dental caries, by the addition of sodium rluoride to the public water supply, has a dramatic appeal. Professional a:nd lay publications, alike, have given the matter wide publicity. More recf'ntly, public attention has been focused on the experiments now in progress at Newbur~h. New York, at Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Brantford, Ontario-" Similar experiments are bei'1g conducted in Midland, MichJgan i Sheboygan, \\'l:sconsin; and Evanston, Illinois. Dr. David B. Ast, Chief of the Dental Bu1·eau, Department of Health, State of New 'York, has worked out a plan to determine the practicability, efficacy, and safety of fluorinating a communal water supply, deficient in fluorine, to control dental caries. He states, in part, that fluorine is a poison like iodine or chlorine; and like the latter drngs, if used in minute quantities provides life-saving and health-improving measures. An ex.ample of this is chlorine. Despite the fact that it is potentiaHy poisonous, it is almost universally added to public water supplies to make them safe. Another exam1>le is iodine, which has b('en used fr.r many years in drinking water-and in food, such as common table-salt-as a prophylactic to prevent goiter. His plan has already been put into effect in the various cities mentionC'd above. Newburgh, in the state of Ne\V York, is one of them. After a series of consultations and conferences with the different city, waterworks, health officials as well as medical and dental professionals; and after a series of analysis of the water supply it was found that 51 pounds of fluoride was needed daily for the city's 30,000 population Th~ Journal of the Phlllpplne Dental Association whose water consumption was 3 million gallons a day. Let us take Mani1a. According to the estimate of an official of the Metropolitan Water District, Manila's 1,500,000 inhabitants consume 80 million gallons of water daily. Presuming that Manila's water has a fluorine content similar to that of Newburgh's, the daily amount of fluorine necessary would be 1360 lbs. And since the current market price of sodium fluoride is about P16.00 per hundred pounds, it will cost Manila's inhabitants of 1,500,000 only P217.60 daily O!' '79,424.00 yearly-or :'i12 centavos p~r capital a year! By 1950 or 1955, when these authorities can positively say that these variou~ projects are successful beyond any doubt a nation-wide fluorination of drinking water is liable to take place in the United States. As Manila's water is chlorinated, so can it be fluorinated-at the insignificant cost of less than 6 centavos per capita per year! Isn't it wonderful to vision our children grow· up with teeth free from decay-become healthier citi. zens?-And their children's children after them? But what about our present childrcr.? It there no way of preventing further decay of their teeth? Yes, there is; and that is where thi.3 "Topical" or direct application of sodium fluoride to teeth comes into the picture. It seems that fluorine reacts readily with highly mineralized substances like bone or teeth and that fluorine is ahsorbed by the enamel of newly erupted teeth upon co:1. tuct, rendering them more resistant t'l acids in the mouth. But here are som<" words of caution. We must not expect our children to be completely immune from dental decay after the application of sodium fluoride to their teeth. Tin> children cannot afford to neglect their teeth after these treatments · a1~d ne'.ther can the parents, because these treatments can reduce only 40% of dental decay as observed by the results of the extensive clinical experiments on this phaSc of the fluorine question. Doctors Basil G. Bibby, J. W. Knutson, W. D. Armstrong, F. A. Arnold, Jr. n. E. Singleton, T. H. Dean and some other scientists have done meritorious work on th:s. part of the subject. Whether fluoride solutions have any e~ fet"t on teeth of grownups is not yet fully known. But, as a whole it is rec~mmended that a series of dirC'ct applications Of sodium fluoride solutions bt• made at the time when the teeth will -ha\'e just empted, normally at the ages of 3, 7, 10, and 13 years. Various research work and experiments a.re being conducted to discover som~ 1.1cthods to give us, including grown-ups, more immunity to decay of the teeth. There have been some very encouraging· results, but so far, they are still in the experimental stage. So, we grown-ups, ,.,.,II just have to wait a few more years and in the meantime, "resivn ourse)vei: to the torture of the dental t"hair !" References: Various articles on Sodium Fluoride as published in J.A.D.A., among which were by: Philip Jay, D.D.S., F.A. Arnold Jr~. H. G. Ribby & others. Frbruary .J9.'i0 WANTED: SUPERIOR LIVING By Paul Packer,* Ph.D. No one need pause to comment upon geration to say thd, if there is to bl• the immediate professional future of 194!• developed a world in which the flow of graduates of the University of Oregon commerce will be untrammeled, armed Dental School It is enough to say that conflict relegated to the past, freedom the professional services you can render of the individual attained and maintained, arc in great demand. Nor need one you and those like you must leai·n and devote paragraphs to the chat'acter of teach us how we may play effectively in the school from which you are gradua- a world arena. With valleys of isolating. Your dean is one who has exercised t:on erased and each and every society distinctive leadership not only in Oregon impinging upon each and every other but in the national councils of your pro- society, this represents a challenge which fession; your faculty is competent; your is new in its extent and which demands school is fully accredited by your official greater leadership than has yet been disstandardizing associations; your plant is c;overed in the realm of human .endeavor. one that we expect to replace in the re- As you well know, many proposals, lntively near fu.t~1:e, although I am sure schemes, and organizational setups havl~ the present fac1ht1es have not been per- been advanced to resolve our present mitted to lessen the quality of your in- · dilemina. Concerning these various sugstruction. gt"stions I do not care to comment. Rather, Jn short, the only handicap, if there I want to bring the issue directly bae~ is any, under which you will begin the to the individual, for no matter what 111·uctiee of dentistry will be of your own type of organization we may develop its making. success is dependent upon the quality of Because of this I want in these few living of the persons who are a part of moments to visit with you about some it. It is our individual performances, overtones of living which I believe to be no matter how humble our place in life of particular concern to all college and 1JJ.ay be, that will in the long run dt>.university graduates in all fields this terminc how well ordered the world may commencement time. become. In the midst of a world th&t is confused and uncertain, a wo1·ld in which conflicting ideologies are daily rubbing elbows, a world that is searching for answers that will insure a reasonable degree of great, generous, and exacting Jiving, each individual who has enjoyed the privileges which have been yours is especially obligated over and beyond hi~ business and professional activities to contribute his bit, wherever he may be, to the society of which he is a part. Vnder such conditions it is no exagAn addr11i.;s delive.rdJ at the CPnuneoonwnt Exer· ti~~-• r•f the Un'iver:o.it.y or 01•uzon. June 16. 194!1. "Ch.'.1.nel'll<>.1· or lht- OreitC.n Sui.t.e Sysll.'m or llighH Edue:\t"ion. Pt•br11n1•y 19.iO As I intimated in the beginning, th(' single most important factor that society needs today, has needed in the past, wil! need in the future, is to achieve individually the goal of great, generous, and exacting living. This concept drives us over into the sph·itual realm of living. Let me hasten to say when I use the word "spiritual" that I do not have in mind some form of orthodoxy. Rathl'r, it is the "something-more-than" of mert> living and doing the tasks which happen to be the stint of our days. This extra touch which may seem to some a mer(' margin of living is r-cally the warp and woof of life. It is the only touchstonc> The .Journal of the Phlllpplne Dental Assoetatlon that, in the long run, will make us great enough to pay the price necessary to insure a world in which a reasonable living harmony may reign. Prior to World War I, the activities of the United States were in the main confined within our own borders. Oh, of course, we traded with many coun· tries of the world and our people contributed liberally when some great tragedy, such as a famine, occurred in some distant place. But, as far as the general public was concerned, it was int..~rested and busy with its local affairs. Only a few were sensitive to the fact that ever increasing ease of communication was gradually but surely erasing the isolateJ 1·egions throughout the world. Even after actual conflict started in Europe, many felt that it was no affair of ours. More amazing still-after we had par· ticipated in the war which was to enc\ all wars, we still cherished the thought that we could maintain our previous policy of isolation. We even elected a President on the slogan, "Back to Normalcy." Then, regardless of whether or not this idea had any merit, almost overnight we abandoned it and went on a materialistic binge. The national headache which followed this spree needs no review for you, because you experienced it. As you well know, before it was over we had skirted the edge and were soon deep in the midst of another World War -a war which was to shake the very foundations of every known society. The impact of this second World War was so great, not only upon the economy of this nation but upon the individual citizenry, young and old, that anyone with the least insight was jarred into the consciousness that possibly the "Gods of the Market Place," of which Kipling wrote and in which we had so largely placed our faith, might be false ones. For today, even after unbelievable expenditure of human art.cl material resources in the •mr..w of war in an effort to maintain freedom for the individual, powel'ful forces are at work to destroy it. It wnu1d hr. tragic indeed if this invaluable to treasure, despite the recent price which was paid plus the heavy investment of the past generations in this idea, should be destroyed in the societies where it exists and not be permitted to flower in the slave societies. Under such circumstances the concept, "Wan~d: Superior Living," loses its flamboyancy and becomes a hard-boiled, realistic need. It literally forces us to bring -into focus and to put into practice the essential values of life. You are all aware of what these are. You ~e~1l not be 1·eminded that unless they are practiced individually no society, in th1~ long run, can achieve a poised degree of living. I want to pay my i·espects to a few of these values, or overtones, or the "something-more-thans"--call them what you• may-that are essential if we· are to attain the superior living which ultimately will be our only insurance of maintaining •ny society worthy of human record. For the purpose of the moment I have chosen to comment on the following three values: integrity, tolerance, and seciirity. Noah Webster defines integrity as "Mo· ral soundness; honesty; freedom from corrupting influence or practice; sp., strictness in the fulfillment of contracts, the discharge of agencies, trusts, and the like." For convenience and brevity I want to bundle all this into the qualit)· of keeping obligations. Fifty years ago the expression, 11 His word is as good as his bond," really rep1·esented a state that most individuals, no matter how far they fe11 short, wished to attain. Over the years this quality, though still prevalent in the public mind, has lost not a little of its sharpness. As a result, the highways of the world are strewn with broken obligations and pro· mises, not only on an individual basis but on national levels. To illustrate specifically, we need only recaH the bank failures of a few years ago which i·eminds us that it came to be almost respectablr. to try to settle our obligations on fifteen or twenty-five cents on the dollar-even February 19GO Wanted: Superior Llvlng--PackPr for those who, by sacrifice, could have It is but another way of giving emphasis pafd in fu11. to the necessity of recapturing the fint: Is it necessary to add that if we form the habit of dodging such obligations individuaBy it would set the stage for the development of a society which would do exactly the same thing on a national level? You, your children, and your children's children have been handed a public debt of no mean proportions, plus an exceedingly heavy demand for ever increasing public services. Both the debt and the public services necessary to effective living can be met only if the quality of inrlividual integrity is maintained on a high level. Taking the long view, it is quality of tolerance in its true meaninit. It weans taking the flabbinPss out of our approach to living so that we wi11 not degenerate into a society that resemblP5 a dish rag-and a pretty wet one, at that.' One other concept to which I wish t::'I direct your attention momentarily is security. In the past, society has thought of security as something that is associat-. ed primarily with individuals nearing the sunset side of life. During this century, however, the idea of security seems to have grown so rapidly that the spirit of adventure, formerly the dominant tone of the youth of this country, has been a bit du11ed. In ai recent issue of For nec~ssary to • se~ ~hat ~he youth ~f th; tune magaiine there appeared a report nation are d1sc1plmed m the quahty o• f a surve of the most sought-for ob· keeping o~ligations. 1;Jnl~ss we can achieve • ~ectives of ~his year's college &nd univera .g~nerat1on that 1s mtellectually an.d sity graduates. The survey indicates that sp1r1tually tough . enough to meet this only in the states of Texas and Oklac~allen~e on a high leve_I, the. ty~e o~ homa does there seem to remain among h~e this country has enjoyed is m no the college graduates of 1949 any marked httle danger. interest in gambling on the future. In The see011d concept I want to discuss all other sections of the country the mais tolerance. You remember that Vol· jority of \•otes were cast for security. taire said in effect that he would de- Now I am quite aware that we have fend with his life the right of any-one no comparable measure of the attitudr to express his point of view but would, that existed as respects the graduates of at the same time, i·eserve the right to twenty-five or fifty years ago. However, battle to its death any idea with which the testimony of individuals who have he disagreed. Isn't it amazing how far · experienced this period indir.ates that thr. away we have drifted from this concept? prf'sent apparently overwhelming ambiDaily we are being urged to be tolerant tion of youth for security rather than about this, that, and the other thing with adventure is something new. It may he f«>w if any exceptions being made. that the defeating days of the thh1.ie!: To counteract the misconception which contributed greatly to developing thcis beginning to weaken the moral fabric thought of security as a life goal or of our society, I enter a plea for intoler- youth; or it may be that the recent war. ance-intolerance, if you please, of poor in which so many of you artd your milwork in any field of endeavor, intoler- Jions of associates played so large a vart, ance of destructive gossip not only on an has temporarily reduced the zest for individual basis but upon a national and adventure. As someone has said, "Youth international level, intolerance of those feels himself as a survivor in a long scwho choose to make temporary popular ries of routs and massacres. Insecurity decisions when they know them to be is his portion, and doom and death arc wrong, intolerance of such matters as to him familiar neighbors." AM these poor sportsmanship and poor manners. and many other comments might be marlc This may sound like a play on worda, respecting the issue of security versus hut I assure you it is not so intended. arlventure. February 1950 11 Thfi Jour11al of the Phlltpplne Dental Association The important thing, however, about the whole matter is for us to recapturr. the age-old trnth that security is an accompaniment ot' effort ar•d sacrifice and not an end in itself. The days ahead will demand in even greater degree than in the past a sufficient quota of rugged, intelligent, generous, imaginative, gambl:ng individuals who will on<'e more give vitality to the spirit of adventure in our society. Unless these spark plugs arh1C' in our midst-and I believe they willwe may well drift into a state none of us cares to contemplate. The heavy in. heritance and the challenges that arf' the portions of the youth of today-and they were nP.ver greater-demand that adventure in living be made primary and ~wcurity its accompaniment. You and the other '49ers throughout this country have tin especial responsibility for bring·· i11g to pass great, gene1·ous, and exactin~~ living in this area as well as in the other histing values of life because of the opportunities that have been yours. Integrity, Voltaire's type of toleranel', and an earned security are but illu~tra tions of living values which must be k<'pt in con~tant focus if society is to deve1011 a Jiving poise. It is in areas such as these that the world is somewhat paver ty-stricken. In science, the professions, industry, and business affairs this ~oun try, as everyone knows, has shown g1·eat prowess. Can we be as successful in de\•eluping the spiritual overtones of 1ifr.? In the long run these fundamental valu~s of life will determine the degree of real achi-evement that is ours. Nothing short of superior living on the part of individuals has a chance in the days ah~ad. THE PRESIDENT'S·PAGE (Contim1ed fl'Om page 4) for the formation of a solid and unified national association of dentists, th2 Philippine Dental Association. We succeeded in our venture. We s>rved faithfully and conscientiously as executive secretary from 1945 until 1947, when we thought it best to relinquish our position from the Association in view of our disagreement with certain acts of some officers of the Association. However, we did not entertain the idea of organizing another association, which ·we could have done very easily. There were suggestions to this effoct but we dismissed tho idea for the cause of organized dentistry. The life of an organization should be regarded as a cycle. Not all members can be lead·2rs, but all leaders should also know how to be good subardinates. When some persons are voted into office their prerogatives should be resp2cted and those who have not been voted upon should remain loyal, although they may be inactive, instead of resorting to the formation of another association merely because they want to be officers all th2 time. We hold this view and that was the reason why we desisted from forming another association at that time. ·~ FPhruary 19.'\ft RJo:VIEW ON THE COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF ATOMIC, ROENTGEN, AND RADIUM RADIATIONS ON GINGIVAE AND TJo:ETII By Domingo T. Tolc11th10,., D.D.S. Like any othel' part, tissue, or organ of the human body, the gums and teeth are susceptible directly or indirectly to injuries by exposure to the biological effects of atomic bomb explosion, x-ray or radium radiation. This depends on the relative degree of dh·ectness or indirectness o( contact or degree of effective radiation on vital tissues. The effects are a distant manifestation of a morbid or syndrome of blood condition, in which paleness of gingivae and weakened bony structures of the teeth and subsequent incidence of caries indicate impending blood disease 01· existence of the same, hurns as the result of direct radiant energy, or trauma as inflicted by the mechanical force of the explosion, either as a blast or indirect injury from flyinJ? debris; or a combination of all of these. Report of Cases To make an intelligent comparative study of these effects by exposure to such super-hazard as the biologic hazard of injury from atomic bomb explosion, the rese~rcher is expected to have at hand actual or factual cases, survivors or victims. He might have gathered data from cases of victims of an actual bomb explosion from the test fields of the first New Mexico desert test on July 16, 1945; or data on actual Japanese specimen from either of the two atomic bomb explosions on Japan from U. S. aeroplanes, th~ first (with more power than 20,000 tons of dynamite) on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, after which Japan surrendered on August 14, 1945 (which action of Japan, by way of quoting former Britist Minister Winston Churchill's es.:<Prh·flte dl•n<'.'111 11rnc\,iti(Nlt'r: formL•rl,\·, membl'J., D<.nl.'li Cl"·r11'I. Armed t~::>l'Ct'>! of t-he Phili1111i.ne.,. February 1930 timate, shortened the war and saved the lives of 1,000,000 U.S. soldiers and 250,000 British soldiers). Gleanings might also be available from data on human guinea pigs if thei-e were any, from the two more atomic bombs exploded in tests held by joint ArmyNavy task force 1 of the U. S. in maneouvers known as "Operation Cross Roads" at Bikini lagoon in the Marshall Islands, the first of which was detonated in the air on July 1, 1946 (Bikini time), tthe second exploded under the -waters of the lagoon on July 25, 1946 (Bikini time). Or, secure thru super-intelligenc:'.! work whatever available data on test Victims of the recently reported atomic bomb explosions somewhere in the Red Lands, of the Union of Soviet Rusi>ia, the explosion or explosions which were supposedly recorded in some highly sensitive seismographic instruments in th• U. S. A. Data on the actual victim, victims or t>xposees of the above explosions except "that 01· those of the Russian test or tests ar:! abundantly available as to medical and general systemic effects on the human structure or anatomy; but, very sc·anty and as scarce as the proverbial drop of miJk from a chicken's breast as to details of the effects on the gums, teeth and other vital tissues of the oral C"avity. Our National Library, newspaper accounts, school magazines, pam_. phlets and medical and dental literature in the Philippines almost negatively provide information on the specific effects but efforts exerted were however rewarded with no more than the following: 1. "The hemorrhagic and necrotizin~ lesions were comparabl:! to those seen in aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis and 13 TllC Journal of the Phlll111J1ne Dental Association ucc111·rcd in tile gnms and respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts." 2. HJn those who survived, the granulation tissues improved following recovery from radiaton sickness associated with the purpuric spots on the skin. After the onset of the purpura of the skin, licmorrhagcs wcJ"e also found fo the gingivac and from the rectum, nose, urinary tract, and respiratory passages in that order of frequency. The lungs were frequently involved in a necrotizing and hemorrhagic process." Actual Case of X-Ray and Radium Handler Clted.-Data on an ionization victim or exposee to the radiation of X-ray and radium are actual, being intimate and careful painstaking observations on a person, who was actual handler of Roentgen machines of high frequency of kilo-volts, the astray gamma rays, alpha, beta and neutron particles which were her environment in lead insulated room for almost fourteen years, day in and day ou~ with a minimum daily exposure hazard of eight hours from 7 :00 a.m. to 3 :00 p.m. in the X-Ray, Radium and Physical Therapy Department of a government hospital. In presenting the case apology is offered to our brother-professionals, the physicians, as the venture taken is a bold order, so to speak, and not without running the i·isk of being dubbed presumptive, if not perilous of being indicted for assuming a too forward professional conduct. But, discussion shall be confined to the professional sphere of the dentist, quoting only the medical men for the wider !attitude of facilitating arrival at a conclusive diagnosis in the actual handling of the case, which necessitated reference to the MD for complaints and manifestations not within the scope of the dental profession. Dental Ca5e Turned Medical~ The patient, female, 28 years at the time of consultation (in 1933), who married a year before, was examined for complaints of tooth-ache, the first she ever experienced in many years. During the past five years of her single blessedness prior to 1933 she had been in close contact with the astray rays of x-ray and radium as nurse, later headnurse and then as supervisor-nurse of the x-ray, Radium and Physical Ther8.py Department of a government hospital. She continued as such for six years more until about the outbreak of the war in December, 1941, when she fortunately had a change of work and kept away from the confines of the lead-insulated rOoms of the X-Ray Department, and inducted into the service of the USAFFE as army nurse for the Visayas-Mindanao Force General Hospital with station in Bukidnon, Mindanao. At the time she complained of tooth trouble (in 1933), further examination re~aled incidence of caries occlusb.lly on the second bicuspid of the lower right mandible, the grade of which threatened involveqient or exposure of the nerve and blood supply of the pulp chamber. Restorative treatment was instituted in spite of the patient's impatience at long and rePeated sittings at the dentist's chair, as extraction of the tooth was contraindicated at the time, due to systemic conditions which necessitated reference to a physician; namely, first, the gingiva was very pale, indicating anemia of some kirid; second, her blood coagulation time was very high being 6-1/2 minutes; and, third, the dental lesion was classified as falling under the class necessitating extended treatments. She was therefore referred to an endocrinologist, not only for her anemic condition but also for the unusual complaints of pharyngeal pain and constriction of the aesophagus in the course of swallowing food, which was suffered as a difficult and painful act, and considered, however irrelevant to the dental complaints. Even liquids, at certain times of her nervous condition, could not pass thru and a feeling of nausea followed the successful intake of anything not without the accompaniment of a ripFebruary 1950 Review on tile Com111n•atlvc EUccts o( Various Hudlutlons-Tulentlno ping pain extending from the pharynx as the food descended thru the length of the muscular canal of the aesophagus. Being then a bride of just one year on her sixth yea1· as handler of X-ray and radium, the foregoing complaints were taken as a matter of course and as a variety in the eccentric physiological life of a conceiving female during the initial months of her pregnancy; but, which came out to be very disappointing to the couple by subsequent consultations with renowned obstetricians and gynecologists that she was not pregnant at all. The feelings of nausea were followed, more frequently than not, by actual vomitting of whateve1· little amounts of food she could successfully take pe1· orem, whether liquids, semisolids or solids. She lacked and gradually lost apetite for food because of the upset condition of her stomach. She could only systematically take but little food with the aid of many glasses of water, so that she became greatly emaciated. These affected her health adversely, believed at the time to be due, among other things, to under-nourishment, and was forced to be on long vacation and sick leave of absence. Then followed the period of parentheral administration of pertinent vitamins, drugs and medicines. She was hospitalized for an extended period of time during which the following findings were revealed; namely, abnormally low basal metabolic rate, very low level of red cell count, subnormal hemoglobin count, deficient leucocyte count, negative for Kahn test, and other findings by which the attending physician made the diagnosis of "Aplastic Anemia". For the complaints of esophagus constriction, feeling of deficient salivation and other abnormally deficient glandular secretory manifestations, the endocrinologist prescribed tincture of belladona taken by mouth in correct doses of ten drops for the first dose and diminishing accordingly. This had to be discontinued on the second dose because of unfavorable reaction of the patient after t'ebruary 1950 the first dose. She continued being treated for her anaemic condition and was under the care also of famed gynecologists in her desire to bear children. It was believed that the effects of her work with X-ray and radium were only temporary, if ever, because, why· were the other handlers apparently not affected, except the Chief of the Depart.ment who was a perfect case of alopecia? Later, she had bleeding thru the rectum for sometime, believed then . as an accompaniment of hemorrhoids but the hemorrhages, especially during bowel movements, disappeared eventually without medication. The surgeon-gynecologist pe1:formed dilatation and currettage on her. The obstetrician advised her on nightly pe1·formance of the "knee-chest position" before going to bed and the r8diologist gave her a series of electro-medical treatments to stimulate her apparently · dormant potency. Notwithstanding these treatments, however, adverse effects in her health ensued and she had four abortions in as many years with the age of pregnancy not going beyond two and a half months accompanied by dangerous and repeated loss of blood; until, concinced that the longer she stay on the kind of job she had been on for about fourteen years already, she finally succeeded in quitting from it in 1941. When she separated from contact with x-ray and radium she had a rising tempe1·ature, the skin of the back of her hands and arms extending from the tip of her fingers to above the elbow not covered 'by the sleeves of her uniform darkened by characteristic burns and loss of hair, rendering the exposed skin. overtanned, shiny and hairless similar to the atomic age description of "walnut stain" or "mask of Hiroshima" effects of the atomic bomb explosion. Pathmt's Manner of Handling X-Ray Apparatus and Radlum.-"Jn man it is said that radiologists and workers exposed to x-ray in chronic radiation show 15 The Joul'nal or the l'hlllpplne Dt•ntal Association un incidence of leukemia resulting from exposure to doses ranging from the toierance levels to about 10 roentgens a day. The quantitative unit of radiation is measured in r's 01· roentgens or quantity of x-ray or gamma radiation that will produce in 1 cc of air, under standard conditions, ions carrying 1 electrostatic unit of electricity of either sign." How she handled the roentgen machines for therapy (a male technician handled the diagnostic) and the platinum or lead insulated radium cubes, radium needles and other devised radium containing applicators, were in accordance with strict precautionary measures. Hazards, however, in the form of radiation of astray rays from the highiy perfected x-ray machines although provided with filters, and the so-called gamma, alpha, beta and neutron particles of the radium could not be entirely eliminated. AB she used to do was to prepare the patients one after another on the treatment tabl~ after warming up the ma<.·hine. She then directed the roentgen uys on the diseased part or parts of each patient, one after another, as in<licated by the doctor and then watched for the prescribed duration of exposure, otherwise over-exposure might result in x-ra)' burns. (Automatic devices have been perfected, however, in later manufactures of x-ray machines whether for therapy, diagnostic or radiographic and flouroscopic.) She used to go back to the patient's side immediately after each cxposure to remove the insulating gad,!?ets, sueh as rubber and leaded paraphernalia she had covered the patient with, except the diseased part under treatment. Then she used to prepare the next patient, repeating the identical operations on a daily averag2 of twenty four patients scheduled for deep or superficial x-ray thenpy as the treatment for each case or cases were prescribed. This continued thruout the day for no less than ·.~ight hou1 s daily and at the intervals between patients for roentgen therapy, she att2nded to radium patients. 16 It has been correctly said that radiation is not a new problem believed to ha\•e been recently inti·oduced by atomic explosions for obvious reasons, because Madame Sklodowska Curie, Polish chemist in Paris, (1867-1934) discovered radium many years ahead. Comparing" the foregoing data with those of the so-called radiation sickness, being effects of atomic bomb explosion on victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki incidents, the foregoing actual case manifested striking similarity with those of the effecis of atomic bomb radiation, as follows: ''Radiation InJury.-Skln. Epilatio11 (or the remova) of hair by the roots) was frequently observed in persons who had been close to the bomb and who had survived for more than 2 weeks. At 500 Jll#!tel'S the incidence was about .75 percent and fell off sharply at 1,250 meters. The time of the onset of epilation reached a very sharp peak between the thirteenth 8.nd fOurteenth days after the bombing. The hair suddenly began to fall _out in bunches on combing or genera) plucking, or it was found in considerable quantities on the pillow in the morning. This process continued for one or two weeks and then ceased. In most cases the distribution was that of an ordinary baldness, involving first the frontal and then the parietal and occipital regions, and sparing the temporal regions and the scarf of the neck. The eyebrows and even more so the eyelashes and beard were relatively resistant. In one group of patients coming to autopsy, 48 had epila"tion of the head, 8 of the axilla, 6 of the p~bic region, 4 of the eyebrows, and 2 of the beard. Complete epilation is not necessarily correlated with a bad prognosis. Of all individuals who died of radiation effect at about fourth week fourteen percent had no epilation. In no cas2 reported was epilation permanent. "Gastro-lntestlnal Tract.-In many patients, severe nausea and vomitting occured as early as thirty minutes followina- the detonation. In others it did not February. 1900 Rc\'kW on the Com1nirntl"·e EHects o( VarioU8 1'adlations-Tolentino occur until the next day. Thirty two percent of those within a radius of 1,000 meters and 23 percent at a distance of 1,100 to 1,500 meters suffered from vomitting on the day of the bombing. The incidence fell sharply to 6 percent to 2,000 meters. In many patients diarrhea, sometimes sanguinous, occurred within the first few days. "T<·~tes.-Histologically, radiation effects on the testes were discernible as early as the fourth day and were profound in a11 fatal cases in individuals who had been within 1,500 meters of the bomb. Only three of the 23 patients studied who had been within 1,500 mct:?rs had a sperm count in excess of 40,000 (lower limit of normal). Of 39 who had been within 2 km., 13 had counts below -10,0000. It is unusual for pregnancy to occur if the sperm count is below 40,000. Several of the patients con1plained of a loss of libido or even loss of potency following the bombing. According to J apuncsc µhysicians the return to normal has been slower in the male than in the female. "O,·arlcs.-Histologically, the ovaries showed less striking high incidence of amenorrhea, increasing from 4.3 percent in 19a2, to 12 percent in 1944. In 1944, the incidence among 3.6 nurses of Tokyo University was 13.3 percent. According to Japanese gynecologists, this was due to malnutrition, overwork and anxiety associated with bombing. Thirty six percent of the women in Hiroshima and 29 percent of the women in Nagasaki, between ages of 15 and 49, who were within a distance of 5,000 meters, experienced menstrval disorders. The ma iority of these had one normal period .following the bombing and had cessation for an average of three to four months. A year later no patients were found complaining ot' menstrual disorders attributed to the bombing. "Pur1mra.-]n th2 skin, purpura was almost always manifest~d in patients 1""cbrua1·y 1950 dying on the third to sixth week, inclusive. Its incidence at various distances from the blast center run almost exactly parallel to that of epilation and fell off sharply beyond 1,250 meters. Purpuric spots appeared at about the same time as fever. Their peak was between the sixteenth and twenty second day, about five days lat2r than the peak epilation. Associated with their onset, there was an increased tendency to bleed from lacerations, fractures, and burns. Healing of wounds was pro)onged, coincident with the appearance of radiation sickness. The growth of granulation tissue improved following recovery from radiation sickness associated with the purpuric spots on the skin. After the onset of the purpura of the skin, heniiorrhages were also fo1wd in the gingivae and from the tectum, nose, urinary tract, and respiratory passages in that order of frequency. The lungs were frequently involved in . a nec,rotizing and hemorrhagic process. "Clinical Syndrome In Radiation Sicknes'll.-" Patients dying the thfrd, fourth, fifth, a11d sfa:t1t weeks or surviving severe symptoms.-In this group, the anatomic and clinical results of radiation attained their acme. Epilation and hypoplasia of the bone marrow were marked. The hemorrhagic and necrotizing lesions were comparable to those seen in aplastic anemia and a.gram1locytosis occurred in the gums and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Petechiae of the skin were almost always present. The sequence of symptoms was as follows: Jn a fypicn;l severe case, the first evidence of the disease was nausea and vomitting on the day of the bombing, followed by a feeling of malaise. The patient then· ilngan to improve and felt fairly well until about the beginning of the second week when epilation began. A few days later he again experienced malaise and a steplike fever developed. At about the same time pharyngeal pain frequently appeared. Sanguineous diarrhea was a prominent symptom. The leucocytes 17 The J01mml of tht• Phlll111J1ne Dental Association and platelets reached very low levels, and a p1·ofound anemia was pl'esent. "In a third gl'oup in whom bone mal'row failed to l'ecover, the symptoms desCl'ihed in the second group continued and thl" patients died of extreme emaciation after a prolonged illness. In others, concomitant with partial or complete recovery of the mal'l'OW, most of the stl'iking manifestations classed as anemia disappeared, but they succumbed to such complications as lung abscess and tuberculosis." Conclusion In concluding a summary I must live up to the pledge of confining the discussion of the subject to tbe ionization effects on the gums, teeth and other vital tissues of the buccal cavity. This leads me again to quote an authol'ity as follows: "Meclla11ism of /011izatio11.-The radiation with which we are concerned are gamma rays, and alpha, beta and neutron particles. The effect they produce on living cells is known as "ionization. A l'ay Ol' pal'ticle Stl'ikes an atom within the cell, breaks off a negatively charged electron, and results in a positively charged atom which, with the 'negative electron, is known as an ion pair. It is the formation of the ion pah· that produces the biologic changes in the cell. The different radiations act differently to produce ionization. Beta and alpha particles dil'ectly ionize by applying their kinetic energy in striking and dislodging an electron from the ol'bit of an atom. Gamma rays and neutrons must pass through an intermediate step. Gamma l'ays strike a free or lightly held electron and impart kinetic energy to that particle which, in turn, ionizes the tissue. Similarly, neutrons collide with nitrogen or hydrogen atoms in the tissue and strike off a proton which, as a secondary particle, ionizes the tissue. The end result in either case is the formation of ion pairs in the cell." The bone marrow, as may be recalled, is the source of the blood cells. The ionization effect upon the bone marrow there18 fore, may be expected to manifest itself in the destruction of the blood cells resulting in anemic condition of any specific character detectable objectively on the gums, skin or othel' mucous membranes as under the lower eyelids. The nerve and blood supply of the teeth are in the Pulp chamber, the weakened condition of which are reflected in the gradual if not acute disintegration of both the soft and bony tissues that the weakened blood supply negatively nourishes. Paleness of gingivae and weakened bony structures of the teeth are therefore distant effects as resulting from l'adiation thru and to bone marrow; while like any other part or organ of the human body the gums and teeth may also be injul'ed in the form of burns as a result of direct radiant energy or as a sequela to maxillof~ial injury as inflicted by the ·mechanical force of the explosion, either as a blast or indirect injury from any flying 1,1hjects, set in piel'ce motion by the tremendous force after explosion. Acknowledgment ·The writer is grateful to Dr. Ananias L. Chang, chief, Medical Division, Govel'nment Service Insurance System, and Dr. Potenciana Cabigting-Chang, pathologist, Philippine General Hospital, for the valuable technical information which they gave to him. RPfel't'nees Atomic Artillery and the Atomic Bomb, 1945-J. K. Robertson Atomic Bomb (Hiroshima) 1946-H. R. He,l'sey Atomic Energy for Military Purposes, 1946-H. D. Smith Atomic Energy in the Coming EraDavid Dietz Atomic Power-David Dietz Atomic Power (Almighty Atom) 1945J. J. O'Neill Atomic Theory-H. l\f. del Barrio Loose Mimeo-Pamphlet, MFSS, AFP March of Science (Daily Mirror)-Issues of October 26, 28, and November 22 and 23, 1949. February. 1950 THE SELF-CURING FILLING PLAS'l'IC By Ral11h Howard Brodsky, D.M.D. This el'a in histol'y will probably be known as the atomic age. In dentistry, a new era is at its inception and will most likely be refened to as the plastic period. During the last decade or two, many forms of plastic materials have been employed for dentures and restorations but they have failed to meet some of the essential requirements, and one by one have largely been eliminated. 1Ve are now on the threshold of new developments in denture acrylics, and for many years we have been waiting, hoping, and oc.>casionally have been stimulated with some premature report that a plastic filling, which could be placed in the tooth cavity and polymerize at body temperature, had beC'n found-only to be later informed that it had not been consummate-d. An cxampJe is the German resinous ma· tcrial Palapont S.H. which is described in the Fiat Final Report No. 1185, Re<."<'nt German Developments in the Field of Dentu1·e Resins (Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.). However, I think thati I can state we now have uvailable a material which can be used in this manner successfuJly. During the past year I have been conducting laboratory and clinical studies in the use of a methyl methacrylate compound (a monomer and polymer mixture which sets or polymerizes in the mouth in 10 minutes) to be used for fillings and tooth restorations, with mther startling results. In the course of the various laboratory tests, it was observed that the sorption and solubility figures obtained are about ten times less than the specified maximum values in the A.D.A. Specification· No. 12 for denture acrylics. (There are no specifications as yet for a filling plasRe1111inted rr.,,,, DENTAJ. ITEMS 01•" INTE'· HES'r. May 194!1. Februar~· 1950 tic.) Being satisfied with the virtues of the material, I then commenced the study of devising methods for clinical usage which would not be difficult, which would produce uniformly good results, and which could be employed in a simple manner by the profession. To date, I have worked out several satisfactory techniques, but I am sure that as the profession has time to work with this material, or similar materials which may ul.timely follow, many new tP.chniques and possibJy shortcuts will he devised. By way of caution, however," I should like to state that good dentistry cannot be practiced through slovenly methods. Penicillin therapy, for example, has made it possible for even the incompetent doctor practicing minor or even major oral surgery to cover up his surgical deficiencies in many instances by relying on the action of the antibiotic to compensate for his bad surgery. With the use of this new plastic, the technique is so simple, and its application so extensive-for it can be used in almost every type of tooth res. toration (either by itself or in combination with metals)-that there may he a resultant tendency on the pari of some to become Jax in cavity prepara. tion, sterilization, or in the adequate co;1densation or finishing of the restoration. Such laxities would ultimateJy catch up with the delinquent operator in some form. Field or Usage My experience with this methyl mcthacrylate, involving more than several hundred restorations, includes the foJlowing: 1. Restorations involving any or all surfaces of the teeth such as cervi19 The Jom·nal of the 1~hlll1>1Jim~ Dental As5oelatton c:als, occlusals, mc~ials or distals, mt~ ~ioclusals, mesioclusodistals, ct cetera. 2. Plastic inlays made by the indirect method. Undercuts then were prcr•arccl in the cavity and the inlay CC·· m<'nted with the same shade of this plastic material which formed a bond \·:ith the inlay and was locked in by means of the undercuts. 3. I•'acings on inlays, cast crowns (new and old), or bridgf's (both in or out of the mouth). 4. Jack<'t crowns-eithe1 .. direct or indirect. One of the difficulties with acrylic jackets and inlays in the 1rnst has been their occasional pop)ling out uf position. He1·e I was able to employ undercuts and lock them in position. (Jn the indirect method, I used the same material and shade for the cemcntation instead of the other ty11es of ccmt>nts.) :>. Windows in metal restorations (gold or silver amalgam). fi. Acrylic bridges or repairs (either in or out of the mouth)·. 7. Splints (either surgical or periodontal). 8. Rite-opening restorations. ~). For cementing inlays, crowns I: ridges. JO. Replacing broken or lost teeth from dentures or bridges. 11. Where acrylic restorations have worn down, I believe they t"an be built llll in not many minutes with this plastic. There is still some question as to I.ow hard a filling should be. Some wish it to be harder than gold, some s-ofter, while others are dissatisfied with the various golds. Actually, there are instances in which a very hard material is desirable, and similarly, many instances in which a softer material might be advantageous. For example, many d the periodontists seem to favor the latter, for the occlusal impact against lhe softer filling reacts more kindly toward the tooth supporting tissues. However, the relative simplicity in buildi11g up the occlusal surface on a restoration made of this new plastic ren20 <icrs the question less important, regardless of whether this may be rcc1uirOcl in six months 01· ten years. Cavity Pre11aratlon I have employed cavity preparations !.imilar to those employed for the synthetic silicate restorations. Undercut or retentive areas are desirable. The murgins should not be featheredge. The pulp should be protected with ade11uatc cenlent or insulating medium. Sterlllzatlo11 a11d I11sulatlon Any gatisfactory method of cavity sterilization, provided no oily or other residue remains. Oils or fluids whir.h come into contact with thil'l plastic will intel'fel'e with its polymerization or seting. Yitai teeth should be protected with adequate insulation, either with a Jrood cavil)' lining, an oxy!Jhosj'lhatc ('('m<'nt, or a gold foil 11ellet flattened and l"1dd in place with cavity liner. Contact Point Where teeth are in apposition (mcsially or distally) and the filling is to contact the adjoining tooth, it is ad\'isable to wedge in order to separate the teeth to allow for a slight exc••ss of the plastic so that, after (lOlishing, v.n adequate point will be establisht!d. Matrix In employing any plastic material, in order to avoid porosity the material must be compressed. So it is in dental restorations, the harder we compress the plastic, the better the result will be: Several methods have thus far proved ·satisfactory. (Do not use celluloid, for it combines with the surface of the plastic, unless it is to be used only as a temporary restoration.) · (a) .36 gauge aluminum, gold, copper 01· stainless steel bands or shell crowns are easily adapted. The metal shodld be thoroughly cleaned, and preferably polished. If a band is employed, contour it to fit the gingival 01· subgingival area. Burnish or adapt it tn the remaining pa1t of the tooth, Februaey 1D5o Tht> SeH-Curlnl:' Flllln.- Plastle-Brodsk)" and for contact. If an aluminum or other metal crown is to be used, select the shape and size, and adapt it to the tooth for gingival, mesial or distal and occlusal. (b) A sectional matrix of a hard plaster or stone may be emp.loyed to mould the filling or restoration. (c) A cellophane hand (not celluloid) may be employed. Control of Subllngual Ht>morrhag .. It is e!'llsential that the cavity be perfectly dry and maintained so until the Jllastic has set or ~olymerh~ed. Where bleeding occurs, this must be adequat<>ly controlled before inserting the filling. 'fhe 01·dinary hemostalic agents, I have found, produce hemostasis for only a ~hort time, permitting a serum ooze which can be detrimental to the )Jlastic. I have, therefore, experimented with u relatl.v~ly unknown substance, the chemical formula of which is: 1-(m-)ldihydroxphenye)-1-keto-2 methylaminocthane hydrochloride (OHpcnK:t COCH:! NH (CH:i) HCL, and have found that it produces a vasoconstriction which is rstimated to last as long as two hours. This is decidedly advantageous for the purpose. (Incidentally, it will have wide usage in cral surgical procedures.) I hav<" used it in the powder form and rm cotton impregnated with it. Shade 8Plectlo11 Shadei:; are selected in a manner similar to that emr)IO)'ed for porcelain restorations. A translucent mix can he used for incisals (to which some of the body color may be added if desired). One should use the incisal on the shadl' J.~Uidl· for thin or superficial fi11ings, whereas in deep or extensive restorations, the thicker part of the shad<' guide will be a better index of the color or colors required. There is a diffc>rcnce in color effect betwC'en very thin and very thick plastics. February 1950 :i\Uxlng of the Plastlc Having selected the shade or shodes, aportion the correct amount of the (IO\\\.'"\er (polymer), according to the size of the cavity, and plaC'e in a mixing jar. Using a medicine dropper, apJlly the monomer (liquid) drop by· drop lmtil the powder is wetted. (The p1·0portion should be approximately three 1ui.rts of polymer to one part of monomer.) Cover and allow to stand for 3-4 minutes, then spatulate gently with a·stainless steel 01· agate spatula. The plastic is ready to use when it no longer feels crystalline to the touch of the spatula. I routinely plan my time so that while the plastic is mixing in the mixing Jar, I am preparing the tooth for its reception, so that no time is lost. There are zases in which one may wish. to stain just a 1iart of a tooth. This can br done directly in the mouth before the ;1lastic sets. Process of Filling The rubber dam is valuable but not absolutely essential. The matrix should be in position (do not hold it with a wax ligature, for the wax may come into contact with the filling material). Pack the plastic into the cavity and compress it as much as possible. If a band is employed as a matrix, ust• some tinfoil or cellphane on the occlusal to compress the plastic. The har~ c..ier it is packed, the less porous it will be. The use of heat (hot air syringe, infra-red or ultraviolet radiation) will hasten the setting. Re c~rtain that the excess material, gingivally and interpl"Oximally, is removed before it sets. Once it hardens, it is rather difficult to remove much. c:xcess of this material from the inter111 oximal or subgingival regions. Polymerization or Setting At body temperature this plastic should polymerize in approximately 10 minutes. (Allow a little longer for large masses.) Do not re:move the matrix until the plastic is com11lctrly 21 Thf' Journal or th('! PhiliJ,plne Dental Association s.et. The matrix will then peel or slip off. (If the matrix is not thoroughly clean it may affect the coloration of thf' restoration.) Polishing The plastic can then be disked and 110lished. (Do not use high speed for 11lastics, in or out of the mouth.) The occlusal can be carved with burs or stones. Polish with rubber discs and then felt wheels, using whiting or tin oxide as the polishing agent. This should produce a hard glossy surface. M:my modifications can be effectuated. For example, processed acryli<' teeth may be used by selecting the correct size, mould and shade tooth, ho). lowing it with a bur, and adapting it to a tooth already prepared for 11 jacket crown. Select the correct co· lor of the plastic filling material and fill the acrylic tooth with a thin mix of it. Plunge into place over the prepared tooth and exert continuous pressure until the plastic sets, removing, meanwhile, the excess at the gingival. (The stump can be prepared with unc'E>rcuts so as to lock the jacket in place, and the plastic will form a bond with the acrylic tooth, so that ther<: is little probability of the crown becoming loosened.) Similarly, in some instances, it was found advantageous in direat jacket crown restorations made of this material, to remove carefully the jacket while it is hardening-but not yet completely set. Finish the margins out of the mouth, and polish the jacket on the lathe. Then after preparing unr!crcuts on the prepared tooth, cement the jacket with a thin mix of the plastic, employing the correct color or colots. We might term this the dircctindir~ct jack<>t crown. Conclusion This new material with its many uset= undoubtedly will replace at least some of the methods we have used in opel'· utive and restorative dentistry for many yeal's. It will make possible, with relatively simple proce.d,ures, the saVing of teeth in clinics and hospitals, whe1'(' in the past, by virtue of the time i·cquired and expense involved, we wel'e forced to elect exodontic procedures. It should permit many patients who could not in the past afford jacket and other more costly restorations to enjoy tht! benefits of these restorations through the simplification of technique, the saving of time and the l'eduction of involved expenditures. This type of plastic has already manifested its benefits to some patients who through some accident fractured teeth at or close to the gingival margins, and unfortunately were either sailing abroad, going on extended trips 01· giving concerts the following day or so. Usually these teeth are anteriors, and create much concern to both the doctor and the patient. I have found the soldering (and then roughening) of a button of gold at the end of a metal post which is then cemented in the root canal, a satisfactory base on which to build a self-curing jacket in order to eope '"·ith this problem. The entire process does not consume a great many minutes, and the patient leaves the office in a quite happy mood. Sufficient time has not passed to permit an evaluation as to durability of this material. It can only be stated that dur'ing the past year, it has been subjected to extremes, clinically, and it seems to be standing up well. What will happen five years hence, one can- · not say. I am certain that as time goes on, we shall find harder or softer acry. lies with different techniques, but, at least for the p:-esent, a start has bee11 made. SAINT APOLONIA (Pntronrss of Ut>nthit1' and Ut>nth1try) Jn the year 249 A.O. in the city of Alexandria, a virgen of advanced age was imprisoned for becoming a christian. Her teeth were broken down with sharp iron points and the roots were extracted with tongs. During her terrible agonies she prayed to the Lord that any person suffering from toothache who would invoke her name would be immediately relieved. The prayer was answered by a voice from heaven which said: "Bride of Christ, thou has't obtain from God what thou has prayed for." Later when her tormentors offered to spare her life if she would renounce her newly acquired faith she refused, preferring the death of a marty1· and it was said that 500 people who witnessed her fortitude and martyrdom immediately joined the new religion. Saint Apolonia became the patron saint of Dentist and Dentistry and as the years passed by, her story became more popular. Apolonia was a yuung and beautiful maiden, the daught:.>r of a senator. Then l•'f'hrnary 1950 her father became an emperor thus making Apolonia a princess. Throughout the middle ages, a number of churches W.?re built and shrines erected in honor of this saint, where many of her teeth were prese1·ved as holy relics. Judging from the molars, centrals anrl cuspid teeth exhibited at the different "places, it would seem that the martyred lady must have had at least half a dozen set of teeth. How the poor saint must have suffered. No wonder that she had chosen toothache as her special field of operation. Several incantations or word ch8.rms .for the relief of toothache invoking her name have come down to us like the following: Apolonia, Apolonia See my pain in yoUrself Free me from evil pain For my toothache may torture ml' to death. This was supposed to be specially effective if it is pronounced on her <lay, the ninth day of Feht'llary. Thf> .Journal or thf> PhlliJ>J>inf> Df>ntal Association J. Horacio Yanzon, D.D.S. l•'(•hruary l!J;iO TOPNOTCH SOCIAL AND RELIEF LEADER By Paeificn V. Noroiin, D.M.D. There arc few men who make good in a field oth~r than in their own pil'Ofession. To these few b~longs Dr. J. H. Yanzon, manager of the Philippine National Red Cross, who holds the distinction of being the first Filipino manager of the Philippine Red Cross during the time it operated as a chapter of the American Red Cross and later as an independent chartered national organization. On his shoulders lie, in some measure, the success of the financial campaign which the Red Cross is presently conducting, the period from February 15 to March 15 having been proclaimed by the President as the time for "Red Cross Fund-Raising Campaign" this year. J. Horacio Yanzon was ushered into the Yanzon family on August 5, 1903, in th~ town (now City) of Legaspi, province of Alhay. His mother, Luisa Martinez, comes from the Ermita district of Manila, while his father, Primo Yanzon (deceased), hailed from his place of hirth. A product of a private elementary school in Manila, Dr. Yanzon later took his secondary education at the Alhay Provincial High School, where he finished the course in 1922. Subsequently, having decided to study dentistry, he enrolled at the Philippine Dental College and in 1925 was conferred the degree of DoC'tor of Dental Surgery. After passing the dental board examinations, he entered the Red Cross service, which organization he was destined to manage some day. Starting as a Junior Red Cross dentist in 1925 and later as fieldman in various capacities, he rose to become manager of the Philippine National Red Cross on December 1, 1946, a position which he rightly deserved after a long and faithful service of more than 20 years. l•'t•brunry 19.'iO After 11 years as fieldman, he was promoted in 1936 to supervisor with jurisdiction over the Mindanao and Sulu area of the Red Cross. In 1940 he was give,i another promotion, that of assistant director of the Junior Red Cross and its dental service, Philippines Ch"apter, American Red Cross. From 1941 to 1944 he was assistant director of the organization. As assistant director of disaster relief, "in charge of evacuation s~rvica," at the outb1eak of the war in December ]941, he had the tremendous responsibility of large-scale evacuation of civilians from densely-populated Manila to places of safety in the nearby provinces. A Qlan who has dedicated his life to service to his fellowmen, he has done outstanding exploits in the performance of his duties. During the battle fo1· the liberation of Manila in 1945, Dr. Yanzon, with a few Red Cross workers, stuck to his post notwithstanding its attendant great danger. For his heroic services, he was awarded on November 27, 1946, along with eleven other Red Cross workers, the Silver Medal, high"st award of the American National Red Cross. The presentation, which was held at Malacali.an, was made by the late President Manuel Roxas. The citation for Dr. Yanzon's award reads: "On 3 February 1945, Dr. Yanzon had under his charge 27 children in the Red Cross Child1·en's Home No. 3, i·anging in age from 2 to 10 years. These children were placed under the care of the Philippine Red Cross by their poor parents who could no longer feed them because of the very acute food situation. Most of the children were weak from starvation. When the American liberation forces entered Thf' Journal of the Phlltppine Dental Association Manila, these childl·en were housed in the Harris Memorial Bui1ding on Espal\a Street, between Santo Tomas Camp three blocks away and the Far Jo~astern University where the Japanese garrison was, a bJock distant from the Home. In the ensuing battle that lasted throughout the night of Saturday, 3 February, the Children's Home was between the fires of the opposing armies, and with the neighboring house on fire, the childm were in great panic, and so were some of the attendants. Dr. Yanzon calmed them down and with courage and admirable presence of mind, led them out to the street and acorss to the Manila Hospital Building, which was thought safer than the Harris Memorial Building. As the line of children was crossing the street, the big Red Cross emblem on our ambulance which was preceding them on the march could be distinctly seen in the light of the burning bui1ding, and just at that moment the firing from the American line ceased for a while until the children reached the hospital. The exchange of shelling and machine gun fire continued throughout the night and the roof and top floor of the hospital were hit. Realizing this danger, Dr. Yanzon, before dawn the next morning, gathered all the children and attendants together, put them in the ambulance and a Red Cross car, and transported them to a place some distance away from the firing line. Thus twenty-seven young lives were saved. Not a child was lost, killed or hurt." Dr. Yanzon was initiated into the noble task of aiding suffering humanity when, as a medical student at the Tokyo Imperial University, he answered the call of the Red Cross to help the unfortunate thousands of victims in Japan as a result of the most terrible earthquake in that country on Setpember 1, 1923. Since he joined the Red Cross in 1925, he has figured ]>rominently in no less than twenty disaster reJief operations. Among the great disasters where he had displayed his leadership were the ferocious typhoon which struck the Visayas and Southern Luzon in 1929, the Mayon Volcano eruptions in 1928 and 1938, the disastrous flood in Cagayan in 1940, and the tWo great fires in Tondo in 1937 and 1941. Upon the reconstitution of the Philippines Chapter of the American Red Cross after the liberation, Dr. Yanzon was appointed its administrator on Februpry 13, 1945. Then followed successive promotions for him: assistant to the manager, May 30, 1945; assistant manager, July 1, 1945; and manager, December 1, 1946. When he was appointed to the top position of manager, he succeeded Mr. Glen Whisler, the last American mana~1· of the Philippine Red Cross. On April 15, 1947, when the Philippine National Red Cross was proclaimed an independent Society, he•was named its general manager. As manager of the country's biggest and foremost national welfare organization, Dr. Yanzon has his hands full, considering the manifold activities that the Red Cross undertakes in connection with its vast humanitarian program of service. According to the records of the Red Cross, it "operates 36 chapters and 13 sub:chapters serving practically every part of the Philippines." Dr. Yanzon reports that "from the time it was reconstituted in 1945 to November of 1947, the organization rendered Home Service assistance to no less than 163,000 families of various nationalities all over the Philippines. This help consisted of consultation, guidance and information concerning legislation and government benefits; assistance in the actual preparation of claims for government benefits and in procuring necessary documentary evidences; and i·eferring needy individuals to appropriate welfare agencies. During the emergency period when normal means of communication were not available, thousands of location and welfare inFebruary ~9M quiries concerning persons were processed by this service, thus reuniting family members separated during the war." Added to these great tasks is the fundraising campaign which the organization conducts annually in order that it may he abl.? to carry on successfully year after year. As a pioneer in various health activition, the Red Cross operated a dental service before the war which attended to the dental health needs of public elementary school children all over the country. Originally with one clinic, its dental service gradually expanded that at the outbreak of the war in 1941 it had 181 clinics scattered from the northernmost part of Luzon to the southernmost part of Mindanao. In 1945, the U.S. government, realizing that activities which are properly governmental should be handled by the Philippine government, turned over this dental service of the Red Cross to the latter. All its assets, including Pl22,000.00 in cash, were included in this transfer. While the Red Cross somewhat felt this as a loss, yet the organization was consoled in the fact that the Philippine government had realized that it was its responsibility to attend to the dental health of school children. Today this phase of work is being handled by the dental service of the Bureau of Public Schools which is headed by Dr. Felix Angeles. One of the ranking social workers in the country, Dr. Yanzon is also president of the Council of Welfare Agencies. Besides the Red Cross, this council counts among its membership the following we11known welfare agencies: Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, National Federation of Women's Clubs, the PACSA, Salvation Army, Social Welfare Commission, the YLAC, and the YMCA and YWCA of the Philippines. Dr. Yanzon's activities, however, have not been confined to social and wetfarc matters alone. He still continues to be an active member of ~he Philippine Dental Association, and he has the distinction of being one of its original members upon its organization in 1925. In 1947, he was named executive sE>cretary of the ·Association, a position which he held during the presidency of Dr. Gaudencio R. Ocampo. It may be recalled here that the abolition of the practical examination in t.he dental board arose during his incumbency as secretary. He spared no effort in fightin~ against said abolition and, OOgether with his colleagues in the Association, vigorously worked for its restoration. Deeply interested in organizations, he is also a member of the Manila Rotary Club and of the board of directors of the Philippine Motors' Association. Dr. Yanzon has cast his lot with the Red Cross and he is there to stay; its success 01· failure, whichever it is, will also be his. A man of boundless energy, he has a ready smile for anyone even afte1· a day's hard grind. The former Amada Zarco, of San Rafael, Bulacan, whom he married in 1929, is the mother to his three daughtersLilia, Fe, and Belen-who ue all Red Cro·ss en_thusiasts. CURRENT NEWS ITEMS Occidental N egros Chapter Holds Election of Officers Dr. Gregorio lmprogo was elected president of the Negros Occidental Dental Society, chapter of the Philippine Dental Association, at an election meeting recently held in Bacolod City. He succeeds Dr. Gil Montinola, onetime vice-president of the former National Dental Association of the Philippines. Other officers elected were: Dr. Ricardo Jamora, vice-president; Dr. Roberto Juson, secretary-treasurer; Dr. Leopoldo Ra1lares, assistant secretary; Dr. Robustiano Ramos, auditor; Drs. Gil Montinola, Josue Agustin and Pedro Consing, members of the board of directors. Batangas Dentist-Politician Shot To Death In Sto. Tomas Dr. Maximina Maloles, vice-president of the Batangas chapter of the Philippine Dental Association, was shot to death on the night of January 25 in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, his hometown. According to press dispatches from the scene of the crime, it was intimated that the assailant, who up to this time has not yet been apprehended, must be a political adversary of the deceased. Dr. Maloles \\'as a political figure in his hometown, having been at one time municipal mayor of Sto. Tomas. A rabid Nacionalista, he accompanied Presidential Candidate Jose P. Laurel during most of his campaign trips last year. The late Dr. Maloles has helped the Philippine Dental Association in its effort to introduce and seek passage of the present dental law. He was the one who arranged the conference of the PDA officers with Rep. Jose B. Laurel, jr., who was made to sponsor the new dental law. Resolution of condolence was sent by the Association to the family of the deccnsecl. Rep. Ladrido Named Member Of Commission on Appointments Rep. Ricardo Y. Ladrido, dentistcongressman from the 4th district of IloBo, was recently chosen member of the powerful commission on appointments of Congress. The commission on appointments h1 composed of 12 senators and 12 representatives, and presided over by the President of the Senate. Presidential appointees, like those of cabinet members, justices of the supreme court, provincial and city executives, bureau directors and other important appointments i·equires confirmation by the commission On appointments. Membership in this body is equivalent to a chairmanship in other legislative committees and it is considered a position of distinction. Besides his designation as member of the appointments commission, Rep. Ladrido was also named member of the> committee on health and the committee on education of the House of Representatives. E.· R. Squibbs & Sons Company Inaugurates New lntramuros Site A new concrete building located at Sta. Potenciana street, Intramuros, whi<·h houses the E. R. Squibbs & Sons Company was inaugurated last February 17. Leading ·physicians, surgeons, dentists, pharmacists, and other professionals were> pr~sent during the inauguration. The> gllests were shown the modern offices or the personnel of the company as well al'I the conference and display rooms. Dr. Paulino Taningco, manager of professional services of the company, has :iffered to the Philippine Dental Association the use of the air-conditioned conference and projection i·oom of th<> company. February J950 Photo abon• shows 1u1rt of th:• 11rt>sldf'ntlal tahle at the testimonial banquet gh·en h;r tht" Phllip11int" DPnh1l A.si;:odation in honor of Congressman Ricardo Y. Ladrldo at the '.\lanila HotPI last January 29. Lf'ft to rl,i:ht : Lt. Col. Agustin L. Zarate, Dean Victorino G. \·illa, Dr. PPdro A. Bailt"z, Ur. Gt't'm111nlco A. <:;ant"on, Re11. Ricardo \'. Ladrldo, Dr. R1·,i:i110 Padua, undf'rSt'<"rPtar;\· of ht·alth, and Dr. Gern1slo l':rni\a, df'ntal board chairman. P.D.C. Alumni Association Elects Officers For 1950-1951 Dr. Gaudencio H. Ocampo, former prc.!idcnt of the Philippine Dental Association and at present member of the PDA board of trustees, was unanimously elected pr~sident of the Philippine Dental College Alumni Association at an election meeting held February 12. Othe1· officers elected were: Dr. Felipe Sabater, vice-president; Dr. Concepcion Gutienez, secretary; Or. Trinidad Babista, treasurer; Ors. Ceferino Escartc, Ricardo T. Lavii'ta, Santiago Escarte, Irene L. Simhol, Sc,·eriano G. Huerto, Roman Reyes, Alejo Perez, and Lt. Col. Miguel Fernandez, members, board of directors. An alumni homecoming will be held by the Association on J\farch 12, in conjunction with the college day celebration of the Philippine Dental College, with Rep. Ricudo Y. Ladrido as guest of honor. Dr. Ceferino Escarte is the outgoing president of the association. Fcbrua ry 1,.50 Dental Teachers Association To Hold Election Next Month The Philippine Association of Dental Teachers, an affiliate of the Philippine Dental Association, will hold its meeting and election of officel's on Sunday morning, March 5, at the Carbungco Rcs·taurant. A call for said meeting has been issued by Dr. Joaquin Ladao, temporary presiding officer. Dean Francisco Benitez, of the College of Education of the University of tht> Philippines, has been invit.?d to he the afiel'-lvncheon guest speaker. Orf{anized about a year ago upon recommendation of the PDA committe<> on dental education, the Philippine Associa~ tion of Dental Teachers devotes its activities to the discussion and formulation of educational policies intended to eleval<! the standard of the dental profession Jn the country. The constitution and by.Jaws of thll Association will be discussed and ratified du1-ing the forthcoming meeting. l'DA Honors Re11. Ladrido At Testimonial Banquet Decrying the seeming indifference in our body politics and among aspirants for public offices to the dentists' role as public officials, Rep. Ricardo Y. Ladrido, of ;.he 4th District of Iloilo, sounded the warning that we are beginning to deviate from the fundamentals of democracy and that fascism may take root in our midst if the nation's lawmaking body becomes a hunting ground for politicians and if it is converted into a dumping joint for fanatical adherents dyed hard in the ways of selfish party interests. Occasion was the testimonial banquet given in his honor by the Phi1ippine Dental Association on Sunday, January 29, at the Rotary Room of the Manila Hotel, _with Acting Secretary of Health Region Padua as special guest. "Fortunately for us," Rep. Ladrido observed, "we still have in this country a t·onscientious electorate who voted into office during the last elections men from various professions to compose the second Congress of the Republic.'; Rep. Ladrido remarked that the1·e is an cnoneous belief that lawyers and professional politicians are the only individuals eligible to public office, forgetting that more heads are better than one. "If a legislative body is composed of men and women coming from various professions," he added, "the prospects of public service through effective and wise legislation are given a wider berth and a more palpable security." Rep. Ladrido, in his speech, recalled that his opponents, having no material or moral issue against him, raised the issue that he is a mere dentist. "But the popular will," he said, "could not be thwarted hy such an issue and the 11cople, knowing that dentists can go a long way, voted me into an unprecedented victory. I hope that my political adversaries would sit up and take notice of dentists and the dental profession." Expressing his gratitude for the Philippine Association's contribution to his triumph in the last election, Rep. Ladriso Villarama Delays Uelease Of December Exam Results Up to press time, Health Secretary Antonio Vi1larama has not yet affixed his signature on the results of the dental board examination held last December. Dr. Gervasio Eraii.a, dental board chairman, when asked why the release of the board results has been delayed stated that it is still in the hands of the Secretary of Health. As far as the members of the dental board is concerned, Dr. Eraii.a further stated that they have faithfully complied with the provision of Section 17, Republic Act No. 417 which requires that the ratings obtained by each candidate be reported "within sixty days after the examination." do promised to help the dental profession through proper legislations and to win for the Association an adequate and high recognition for its valuable contribution to public service. Acting Secretary Padua, in the rcnarks h,e gave, underscored the value of dentistry in the health of the country. "The dental profession," he said, "is a cog in the progress of the nation and it is ·as important as the medical or any other profession." Other speakers at the banquet were Dr. Gervasio Eraila, chairman of the dental board, Dr. Pedro A. Baii.ez, president, Manila Dental Society, Col. Agustin Zara6, chief, Army dental corps, Col. Miguel Fernandez, chief, P.C. dental corps, Dr. Victorino G. Villa, dean, U.P. College of Dentistry, Dr. Miguel Arevalo, dean, M.C.U. College of Dentistry, Dr. Luis Antonjo, dean, Phi1ippine Dental College, Dr. Joaquin Ladao, Dr. Alfonso Salcedo, and Dr. Antonio Oliveros. The banquet was attended by members of the Board of Dental Examiners, deans and facult~· of dental schools and colleges, members of the Philippine Association of Dental Teachers, m2mbers of the Manila Dental Society, and raoresentatives of provincial chapters of th~ Association. Dr. Germanico A. Carreon, PDA president, introduced Rep. Ladrido and act'!d as master of ceremonies. February 1950 Dr. B. B. Erai\a .[pra ''' the Xd1/,1r INDIANA UNIVERSITY School of Dentistry 1121 West Michigan Street Indianapolis 2, Indiana Fehruar~· 3, 1950 Dr. Gt•rmanko A. Carreon Office of the President Philippine Dental Association D;.·ar Dr. Ca neon ; Thank you for your cooperation in supplying us with back issues of the J1111nwl 11/ tlic l'hilip1,i11<' DC'11tal Assocfotio11 and in adding our name to your mailini:=- list. Your Ai;;sociation has been added to m1r mailini: list for the Official Bulletin of the School of Dentistry and for its Al1111111i Associat.io1i 811/lctiu. I trust you will find these publications h~lpful. Fcbnm ry Ht5U Very truly yours, (Sgd.) Rita Lee Downing Librarian Eraiia Elected President Of Manila Dental Society Dr. Bienvenido Erafla, prominent Manila dental pnctitioner, was unanimously elected president of the Manila Dental Society, chapter of the Philippine Dental Association, at an election-meeting held February 12 at the Carbungco Restaurant. Dr. Eralia took post-graduate course in dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania and was senior dental resident of the Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia. He was chairman of the board of ·dental examineors in 1946-1947. A fellow of the J nternational College of Dentists, he is also its regent for District No. 30 comprising the Philippines and Guam. Dr. Eratla was one of the organizers of the Manila Junior Chamber of Commerce and is a member of its board of directors. He is also a Rotarian. Elected to the position of executive vice-president is Dr. Donato Dionisio, practicing d e n t i s t and, during the last year, member of the MOS board of directors. He has been an active member of the Philippine Dent a I Association for many years. Other officers elected were Dr. I renc L . . Simhol, vice-president, north district; Or. Arsenio Ustaris, vice-president, south district; Dr. Daniel Pineda, secretary; Dr. Julia Sian, treasurer; Dr. Jose S. \'alt~. auditor; Dr. Severino Huerto, Tri• nictad Babista, Jose Rodriguez, Diosctado Sahando, Godofredo Tion.:son, Victor S. Fernandez, Cipriano Ochoa, and Ah::jo Perez, members, board of directors. Rep. Ricardo Y. Ladrido, guest at the meeting, appealed for full cooperat:on of all members of the profession cturing his incumbency as a legislator. 31 ABSTRACTS 1>1·)· Sockt"ts-1'h1• Prl'\"C"lltlon of Delayed lll"aling by Pro\·iding Adequate Nourishmc11t for the Blood Clot. By Ellsworth A. Bruer. D.M.D., B.S., 1.1.B., Dental Items of Interest, Vol. 72, N'o. I, January 1950, JN'Jrt"S 18-23. Various reports were made regarding the efficacy of ('ompounds that are used as socket dressings after the advent of the sulfonamides. Sulfas, in the form of solutions, pastes, powders, etc., have been tried singly and in combination. Other socket medicaments whi("h have recently been advocated are tyrothricin cones and chloropyl, the former possessing the additional merit of filling dead space and r~ducing the size of the clot. These products, no doubt, have certain merits but their use, however, will not produce uniformly good healing in eve1·y case. The sulfonamides, for example, have several disadvantages: ( 1) used topically, they are not effective in the presence of free pus; and (2) even in the small dosages administered in topical application, they may produce a sensitivity reaction. This may be due to the fact that, because of sulfas' popularity, most patients have had received sulfa therapy in subminimal doses. The best protection for the socket following extraction is a normal blood clot, which fact is too oft'!n forgotten in enthusiasm for the newest panacea. Excessive medication is not reQuired by a normal socket, except in the presence of extensive infection. The methods which may be employed to secure and maintain a good clot are: 1. Provide sufficient raw surface on the mucosa.-The gingival mucosa should be freshened to provide a raw surface in isolated extractions by using a small gum scissors and cutting off a thin strip of mucosa around the circumference. 2. Provide for circulation through the 3Z alveolar bonc.-This is accomplished ))y using a small round drill to puncture the lamina dura in seve1·al places and lhus create artificial channels to the cancellous bone. 3. Use sutures without tension.-Sutures· arc helpful if properly placed and tissue flaps should be brought together only enough to reduce the normal ~idth of t.he sock("t by about one-third. Drugs Front Molds Used In Dentistry. By .John B. Street, .Jr., D.D.S., and Richard T. Strret, M.A., D.D.8., Dental Items of Interest, Vol. 72, No. 1, .January 1950, 11ages 24-27. Man has long been utilizing yeasts add molds to give him a better tife and they have been employed to make cheese, bread, age meats. As a climax to their usefuln.ess, drugs are now produced from molds that will save life and cure diseases that other drugs will not do. Bacitracin, penicillin, and streptomycin are s~me new drugs of this kind, the first being one of the newest among them. Bacitracin was discovered by Dr. Frank L. Meleney and Miss Balbina Johnson of Columbia University, New York City. Since it has come into use, c8rbuncles, boils, abscesses, styles, and ulcers of patients will not have to be lanced or cut. This anti-germ chemical saved sixty-two out of 100 patients from having to undergo surgery since its first tl'ial:!J. Bacitracin was originalJy obtained from a badly infected wound from a girl who had broken the bone on the inside of the leg. The drug was given the name "bacitracin", taken from the girl's last name, Tracy, and the germ being a bacillus. Originally, bacitracin was used only locally by injecting it into an abscess 01· boil or applying it as a salve; recently it has become available in a form suitable for injection into muscles, as penicillin is given. 1'~ebrunry. 1050 DENTAL SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES IN THE PHILIPPINES DIRECTORY CENTRAL PHILIPPINE COLLEGE COLLEm; OF DENTISTRY Jaro, Iloilo CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY COLU:ca; OF D•:NTISTRY Mendiola, Sampaloc, Manila COLLEGE OF ORAL AND DENTAL SURGERY 1740 Rizal Avenue, Manila ILOILO CITY COLLEGES COLL•:G•: OF DENTISTRY Iloilo City MANILA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY COLU:G•: OF DENTISTRY Mayhaligue, cor. Felix Huertas, Manila NATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY Lipa, Sampaloc, Manila PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE Azcarraga, Manila PHILIPPINE DENTAL COl.LEGE Azcarraga cor. 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