Positive Effects of Fluoridation

Fluoridation, the process of adding fluoride ions to the water system, began in the 1940s. This process was controversial when introduced, and continues to be today. This post will discuss the positive effects of fluoridation and will follow with the concerns related to this process. It is important to see both sides of this debate because it doesn’t only affect your dental health, but your children and parents as well. Depending upon where you live, you may or may not have fluorine in your water. It may be something that you will need to vote on one day, so understanding the basics is important to make an informed decision.

Fluoridation is approved by both the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and the Center for Disease Control, CDC. They have restrictions on the levels of fluorine that is allowed to be added, ranging from 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million, and emphasize this amount is very small. They have considered the negative effects of fluoridation, which will be discussed later, but still approve its use. They regard the information presented by the opposition is not strong enough to ban the addition of fluorine to the water systems.

The major goal of adding fluoride to the water systems is to subject the general public to fluoride ions, which aide in the prevention and control of harmful acids. The fluoride targets the acids that cause carious lesions on the tooth surfaces, which results in cavities. Without daily fluoride treatment, these acids are more prone to inhibit your mouth. Under the right conditions, the acids will break down the tooth enamel resulting in the formation of cavities. By introducing fluoride to your daily diet, the cavities can be greatly reduced. It is the goal of the EPA and CDC to keep the general public’s health in mind. By supporting fluoridation they are helping people in lower social classes to get the same benefits as those who can afford fluoride treatment from a health care professional.

Fluoridation is beneficial for children. The fluoride treatment used correctly will provide their developing teeth with a protective layer with the enamel. When their teeth are still developing the fluoride levels need to be monitored, but by the age of six or seven fluorine can be used without many problems. Dr. Thomas Kiefer, Creighton University graduate practicing in Omaha, Nebraska, encouraged fluoridation. He states that it is obvious right away if children are subjected to fluorinated water or not. The children who drink water without fluoride ions have many more cavities and typically overall worse oral health. Those drinking water from a system that has been fluorinated have significantly better teeth, in regards to the amount of decay and build up of other bacteria.

The American Dental Association, ADA, has approved fluoridation time and time again through the last 50 years. In 2000, the ADA President Richard F. Mascola, D.D.S. informed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named water fluoridation one of the top ten greatest achievements in the 20th century for public health. This is impressive as the others that made the list included various vaccinations that greatly reduced epidemics. The ADA also reports that there has been a 20-40% reduction in dental caries due to water fluorination, even with other forms of fluoride easily available to the public.

All of these factors are important to remember when making your own decision on water fluoridation. Regardless of the opposing views, the process has been approved for more than 50 consecutive years by the American Dental Association, and has also been regarded as safe and beneficial by two renowned sources, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.