A Look at Water Fluoridation
Over the years a number of concerns have arisen over the fluoridation of drinking water in the United States. Many of these concerns are based on the ethics of compulsory medication, along with concerns about the potential health problems which may result from over-exposure to fluoride. This post will provide a look at the benefits of fluoride, along with addressing possible health issues.
Fluoride is used in many instances as cavity fighter; at the dentist, in toothpaste, and in much of the public water supply. It occurs naturally in varying amounts in water sources such as rivers, lakes and even the oceans. Fluoride is naturally present to some extent in certain foods and beverages but the levels vary widely.
Community water fluoridation the addition of fluoride to drinking water in order to bring the fluoride level up to the optimum level that helps prevent cavities and staves off tooth decay. More than 72% of the U.S. population was served by fluoridated community water systems as of 2008.
Tooth decay is caused by a disease called “dental caries,” is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in 5-to-17-year-olds. Dental caries can cause extreme discomfort and can be very costly and disruptive. A report from the U.S. Surgeon General in 2000 estimated that 51 million school hours are lost per year because of dental-related illness. Without water fluoridation, that number would likely be much higher.
The American Dental Association supports community water fluoridation as the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. Even with the widespread use of fluoride-containing products such as toothpaste, studies show that in communities having water fluoridation tooth decay is lower by as much as 20- 40% compared to communities without community water fluoridation.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also affirms that fluoridation is a safe and effective method of reducing the risk of dental caries and reversing enamel demineralization and encourages public health officials, health care providers, and parents/ caregivers to
optimize fluoride exposure.
However, overexposure to fluoride can cause fluorosis, which is a condition caused by ingestion of excessive amounts of fluoride. It can cause discoloration or mottling of the teeth, especially in children. The following bullets outline some ways to curb fluorosis:
- Do not use fluoride toothpaste until the child is two years old unless advised to do so by a dentist or other health professional.
- When children’s teeth start to appear, brush them with a child-size toothbrush.
- For children age two and older, place one pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush at each brushing.
- Young children should be supervised while brushing and taught to spit out, rather than swallow, the toothpaste.
- You can breast feed. Breast milk is very low in fluoride. Nursing mothers or pregnant women who drink fluoridated water do not pass on significant amounts of fluoride to their child.
- You can use ready-to-feed formula.
- You can use powdered or liquid concentrate formula mixed with water that either is fluoride-free or has low concentrations of fluoride.
Above all, consulting with a pediatric dentist about the use of fluoride for children is important. GrowingSmiles Chicago offers high quality pediatric care, and can knowledgeably answer questions about your child's dental health.