3. Introduction
Why Fluoridation?
Goals
Implementation
Pros and Cons
Evidence
Alternatives
Fluoridation by Countries
Conclusion
Contents
4. 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.
5. 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?
6. 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
7. 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
NaF
Na2SiF6H2SiF6
8. 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
9. Pros and Cons
Advantages
Prevents tooth decay
Protects all ages against cavities
Safe and effective.
Saves money
It’s natural
10. Disadvantages
Fluoridation is a bad medical practice
Swallowing fluoride provides no (or very little) benefit
Children are being over-exposed to fluoride
Evidence of harm to other tissues
No Margin of Safety
Pros and Cons
11. Evidence
Effectiveness
•Helps to close the gap in decay rates among various groups
•Saves money by reducing the need for fillings and other dental
treatments
Fluorosis
•Fluoride's adverse effects depend on total fluoride dosage from all
sources
•The only clear adverse effect is dental fluorosis
Safety
•Fluoridation has little effect on risk of bone fracture
12. 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
13. 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
15. 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.
