The dangers of dental caries and how to prevent them are emphasized in this film. A class of grade-school children learn about the teeth. Written on the board are questions and answers: Why you need teeth--to cut and grind food--a model set of teeth is used to demonstrate chewing; to give form to the face--this is shown on models of heads and teeth of people with malocclusions; to aid personal appearance--shown in footage of a boy before and after repair of his teeth. The causes of caries in teeth are presented using a large model tooth. Immediate repair is advocated.

Dr. Benjamin Spock, noted pediatrician, discusses community water fluoridation--its safety, low cost, and effectiveness in reducing dental caries. Advice to parents and facts about community water fluoridation are presented in Dr. Spock's own warm, inimitable manner.

Jim Barnes, a high school student and flying enthusiast, proves unable to master his flying instructions. Finally, after a particularly bad landing, his instructor advises him that it is useless to continue training. Jim, heartbroken, tells his instructor that his boyhood dream was aviation. The kindly instructor advises him to have a thorough physical examination to determine the possible source of his trouble. Jim visits his physician, who discovers that his visual acuity is below par and advises a dental examination.

Good dental health is stressed in the story of two grade-school children who must prepare a report on oral hygiene. They go to visit a children's dentist. The dentist is busy cleaning a girl's teeth, then showing her her yearly mouth X-rays. The female dental assistant shows the two students a book about teeth containing pictures of second teeth forming behind the deciduous teeth. The assistant takes the children to see an orthodontist where they are shown drawings and casts of teeth from birth to teenage.

As colorful stylized puppets, three small boys find the lost civilization of No-De-Kay deep in the jungle after some frightening encounters. They discover that the secret of No-De-Kay is proper toothbrushing by deciphering the hieroglyphic-like inscriptions on the pedestal of the jeweled toothbrush. The boys demonstrate the deciphered instructions for the proper and effective use of the toothbrush. They are welcomed as heroes when they return home with their discovery.

This film shows the importance of regular visits to the dentist using two hand puppets, "Dottie," a mischievous little girl, and the "dentist." This film is effective in interesting youngsters of pre-school age and in primary school grades about the fundamentals of oral hygiene. In addition, parents can pick up pointers on teaching youngsters why personal care is so important to dental health. Proper diet is one of the subjects mentioned.

This film attempts to persuade people who are opposed to the fluoridation of drinking water that they are mistaken in thinking that fluoride, in minute quantities, is toxic, may cause cancer or heart or kidney disease, leads to bone fractures, or is unconstitutional. The film emphasizes the low cost of fluoridation and the very great benefits it bestows in the marked reduction of dental caries. A town meeting is shown in which angry, upset people raise their objections to fluoridation. To the man who says that fluoridation is against the laws of nature, that it is a poison, Dr.

This film tells the story of an average American family, in particular Danny, the young son in the family, and their approach to dental care. Attitudes toward dentistry and dental habits good and bad are explored, with an emphasis on the consequences of ignoring the importance of oral health. Out of their experiences come the lessons that lead to good dental health: the need for preventive dentistry and early dental care, the need for regular checkups and early treatment of decayed teeth, and the desirability of proper nutrition and careful mouth hygiene. Narrated by Lowell Thomas.

This film, aimed at children of primary school age, presents the principles of good dental care. A narrator explains the basic steps to be followed in order to keep the teeth healthy as, in animation, a family of mother, father, sister, brother, and baby illustrates those steps. The action begins with the baby cutting his first tooth. The role of the teeth in cutting and grinding is outlined. The family is shown eating foods which help to keep teeth strong and healthy--carrots, apples, celery, and salad. How decay rots a tooth is illustrated.

This film stresses the importance of routine oral examination to detect infections or early diagnosis of oral cancer. Dr. Robert Johnson demonstrates a routine oral exam while explaining the procedure. The film also shows oral cancers in their early stages of development. The film concludes with an appeal by the Chief of the U.S. Public Health Service's Cancer Control Program, Dr. William L. Ross. He urges dentists to examine and test for oral cancer, arguing that the patient's overall health, not just their teeth, is the dental practioner's responsibility.

This program discusses the techniques dentists can use to detect oral cancer. The program begins with an examination of a patient who has had oral cancer and emphasizes the importance of early detection to prevent metastases. The program stresses that cancer in different oral sites presents with different problems. The presentation includes the symptoms, incidence and distribution of cancer of the lower lip, tongue and floor of the mouth. The program presents a routine examination with emphasis on the symptoms representative of cancer.