HOPEWOOD HOUSE STUDY

N. KAMAROL HISSAM

Introduction
A 15-years study (1948 1963) done at a

childrens home (Hopewood) in Bowral, New South Wales, Australia.

The study was done to determine if the

significantly different diet of the children living at the home would affect dental caries activity.

Data recorded include the oral conditions,

the lactobacillus counts and their relation to dental caries, the diet and general pattern of life.

Reports were published at the end of

every 5-years interval and observations were made.

Materials and Methods

Subjects: 82 children drawn from the community of the less fortunate and brought to the Hopewood House shortly after birth Diet: Wholemeal bread, soya beans, wheat germ, oats, rice and potatoes were the main sources of carbohydrates Minimal animal protein The majority of the food were eaten uncooked Sugar, white flour and other refined carbohydrates were rarely included in meals. Regular snacking

 Examinations: Annual clinical examinations

Radiographic examinations Saliva was collected frequently before breakfast

Result

When compared to students of State schools, the children of Hopewood House have a much lower incidence of caries.

Discussion
In 1961, the mean D.M.F. teeth for children (HH)

ten to fifteen years ranged from 0.85 - 6.46. A comparable study done on children of the same age group living in the community revealed a mean D.M.F. range of 5.28 - 13.91.
The Hopewood House study goes to show that in

institutionalized children at least, dental caries can be reduced significantly by a spartan diet, even without the beneficial influence of fluoride and in the presence of unfavourable oral hygiene.
We can thus conclude that the type of diet plays an

important role in the formation of caries.