Isha Sharma
Recent studies suggest that the benefits of adding fluoride to water, a decades-long public health practice, may be waning due to the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste. The research, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, analysed over 157 studies comparing the oral health of children from communities with fluoridated water to those without. The findings show that while fluoridation once significantly reduced cavities, its impact has lessened in recent years.
Decline in Water Fluoridation Benefits:
Fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride, a mineral, to public water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. It has been used for decades as a public health measure to reduce cavities, especially in children.
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. While fluoride is also found in toothpaste and mouthwashes, water fluoridation was introduced to reach a broader population, particularly those who may not have regular access to dental care.
It is endorsed by many health organisations as a safe and effective way to improve dental health.
The study highlights that in communities with fluoridated water before the 1970s, children saw an average reduction of 2.1 decayed teeth.
However, post-1975, with the increased availability of fluoride toothpaste, this reduction dropped to just 0.24 decayed baby teeth per child.
The shift is largely attributed to the fact that most households now use toothpaste fortified with fluoride, which has minimised the necessity of fluoridated water alone in preventing cavities.
Despite this shift, experts advise against halting water fluoridation, as it still plays a vital role in reducing tooth decay. They emphasise that fluoridation should be part of a comprehensive dental health strategy, especially for children.
Public Health Support for Water
Fluoridation:
Though the study points to a decrease in the effectiveness of water fluoridation, major health organisations like the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to support it.
These groups maintain that fluoridation remains a valuable tool in preventing tooth decay, reducing it by approximately 25%.
They also caution that pulling back on fluoridation could negatively impact communities that do not have access to affordable dental care.
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