WATER FLUORIDATION

Sarosh Hussain

Complete By….

Introduction Why Fluoridation? Goals Implementation Pros and Cons Evidence Alternatives Fluoridation by Countries Conclusion

Contents

Dental caries (tooth decay) is the single most common chronic

childhood disease

Introduction

Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to a public water supply to reduce tooth decay. Fluoridated water has fluoride at a level that is effective for preventing cavities; this can occur naturally or by adding fluoride.

Dental caries remains a major public health concern in most industrialized countries, affecting 60–90% of schoolchildren and the vast majority of adults. Water fluoridation prevents cavities in both children and adults.

Fluoridated communities have 20%-40% less tooth decay

Single most effective intervention

Saves Money Benefits all consumers

across socio-economic status Benefits children and adults Benefits last a lifetime

Why Fluoridation?

The goal of water fluoridation is to prevent tooth decay by adjusting the concentration of fluoride in public water supplies. Tooth decay (dental caries) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide . Although it is rarely life-threatening, tooth decay can cause pain and impair eating, speaking, facial appearance, and acceptance into society, and it greatly affects the quality of life of children, particularly those of low socioeconomic status.

Goals

Fluoridation does not affect the appearance, taste, or smell of drinking water. It is normally accomplished by adding one of three compounds to the water:

Implementation

1) Recommendation Recommended level of

fluoride to 0.7 mg/L

2) Occurrence Fluoride naturally

occurring in water can be above, at, or below recommended levels. Rivers and lakes generally contain fluoride levels less than 0.5 mg/L

Pros and Cons

AdvantagesPrevents tooth decay Protects all ages against cavitiesSafe and effective.Saves moneyIt’s natural

DisadvantagesFluoridation is a bad medical practiceSwallowing fluoride provides no (or very little) benefitChildren are being over-exposed to fluorideEvidence of harm to other tissuesNo Margin of Safety

Pros and Cons

Evidence

Other fluoride therapies are also effective in preventing tooth decay; they include fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, gel, and varnish, and fluoridation of salt and milk.

Alternative

Not to be confused with naturally occurring fluorides, artificial fluoridation of water, salt, and milk varies from country to country. Fluoride therapy has been introduced in over thirty countries. Currently about 372 million people (around 5.7% of the world population) receive artificially-fluoridated water in about 24 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Malaysia, the U.S., and Vietnam.

Fluoridation by Country

But!Still it is not applied in Pakistan

Conclusion

Existing evidence strongly suggests that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay. Consistent evidence also suggests that it causes dental fluorosis, most of which is mild and not usually of aesthetic concern. No clear evidence of other adverse effects exists, though almost all research thereof has been of poor quality.