Fluoridated Water Analysis
Issues Analysis: Should South Australian Water Continued to be Fluoridated?
Introduction:
Water fluoridation is the exercise of adding fluoride chemicals to a water source in the effort to prevent tooth decay. (Unknown, 2016) Experimentation of water fluoridation began in the early 1800’s when an increase of people began to show symptoms of mottled tooth enamel called Colorado brown stain. (Unknown, 2015). The next major development was in the period between 1933-1945 when there was a focus on relationship between fluoride concentrations, fluorosis, and tooth decay, and established that moderate levels of fluoride prevent cavities. (Unknown, 2015) Finally from 1945 onwards the main focus of water fluoridation was to begin adding water to community …show more content…
Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. A study conducted by Cochrane Health Clinic shows that the introduction of water fluoridation resulted in babies having 26% less filled teeth, and decay, 35% fewer decay in younger children and an overall 15% increase with no decay in their baby teeth and a 14% increase in children with no decay in their permanent teeth. (Iheozor-Ejiofor et al, 2016)
In the early stages of a child’s life drinking fluoridated water enables the fluoride ions to alter the structure of the developing enamel making it more resistant to acid based foods and drinks. In these early stages fluoride is built into the tooth enamel enlarging the enamel crystals, ensuring that the tooth surface is protected (Adelaide, n.d.)
Another benefit of water fluoridation is that it is readily available and provides community wide coverage giving all people the opportunity to access it despite age, income or education …show more content…
This acid attacks the stomach lining, damaging tissues and destroying the immune system. (Gieder, 2015). This is a result in many children from being exposed to too much fluoride. The main problem with adding fluoride to a water source is the risk that is involved with of dental fluorosis. (Connett, 2012) Dental fluorosis is a condition caused by hypomineralisation. Hypomineralisation effects the front molar teeth and in some cases can affect the incisor teeth. (Unknown, 2015)
Another factor proving fluoride isn’t safe is the margin between fluoride being toxic and being beneficial. The recommended or ‘safe’ amount of fluoride is (4mg/l), this level has proven to be toxic to human health. The average levels of fluoride added to water is between (0.7-1.2mg/l) which is four times more than the ‘toxic’ level. This margin is far to slim to protect members of the community, especially those who consume 2-3 litres of water each day. (Unknown, 2016)
Fluoride is the main contributor to several other health problems including weaken bones and indigestion, unfortunately none of these theories have been extensively proven.
Introduction:
Water fluoridation is the exercise of adding fluoride chemicals to a water source in the effort to prevent tooth decay. (Unknown, 2016) Experimentation of water fluoridation began in the early 1800’s when an increase of people began to show symptoms of mottled tooth enamel called Colorado brown stain. (Unknown, 2015). The next major development was in the period between 1933-1945 when there was a focus on relationship between fluoride concentrations, fluorosis, and tooth decay, and established that moderate levels of fluoride prevent cavities. (Unknown, 2015) Finally from 1945 onwards the main focus of water fluoridation was to begin adding water to community …show more content…
Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. A study conducted by Cochrane Health Clinic shows that the introduction of water fluoridation resulted in babies having 26% less filled teeth, and decay, 35% fewer decay in younger children and an overall 15% increase with no decay in their baby teeth and a 14% increase in children with no decay in their permanent teeth. (Iheozor-Ejiofor et al, 2016)
In the early stages of a child’s life drinking fluoridated water enables the fluoride ions to alter the structure of the developing enamel making it more resistant to acid based foods and drinks. In these early stages fluoride is built into the tooth enamel enlarging the enamel crystals, ensuring that the tooth surface is protected (Adelaide, n.d.)
Another benefit of water fluoridation is that it is readily available and provides community wide coverage giving all people the opportunity to access it despite age, income or education …show more content…
This acid attacks the stomach lining, damaging tissues and destroying the immune system. (Gieder, 2015). This is a result in many children from being exposed to too much fluoride. The main problem with adding fluoride to a water source is the risk that is involved with of dental fluorosis. (Connett, 2012) Dental fluorosis is a condition caused by hypomineralisation. Hypomineralisation effects the front molar teeth and in some cases can affect the incisor teeth. (Unknown, 2015)
Another factor proving fluoride isn’t safe is the margin between fluoride being toxic and being beneficial. The recommended or ‘safe’ amount of fluoride is (4mg/l), this level has proven to be toxic to human health. The average levels of fluoride added to water is between (0.7-1.2mg/l) which is four times more than the ‘toxic’ level. This margin is far to slim to protect members of the community, especially those who consume 2-3 litres of water each day. (Unknown, 2016)
Fluoride is the main contributor to several other health problems including weaken bones and indigestion, unfortunately none of these theories have been extensively proven.