Fluoride Treatments: Good or Bad?

Healthy Teeth

Government

Risks outweigh Benefits?

History

Children had discolored teeth Lower rate in cavities Fluoride Ions 1 ppm

Pike’s Peak

Began fluoridating water

Led to spread of addition of fluoride

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Why is Fluoride Beneficial?

Tooth Decay: A Problem Around the World

People eat foods that erode enamel

Fluoride-improved health of teeth

Reaches people of various socio-economic statuses

Clearly demonstrated in the UK

Healthy Teeth=Superficial?

Pain

Anxiety

Looks

Disadvantages of Unhealthy Teeth

Why?Allowed all to have benefits

What about toothpaste?

Not always afforded and it might not be used properly

Could Fluoride be Bad?

Concern in UK

Case study

“No evidence of any increase in in the risk of hip fracture from fluoride in drinking water.”

Bone Fractures

Concern in US

Absorb more lead

Little to no evidence supporting this theory

Levels of Lead in Blood

But fluoride toothpaste is spit out

And what about bone cancer?

Observable Disadvantages: Discoloration

Why do people still fear fluoride?

Dead rat?

Right to Refuse Medical Treatment

Risks that aren’t known yet

Brain-washing?

Fluoride is a natural ingredient in ground water

Decreases tooth decay

Oral Health

However

Fluoride=Beneficial