What are the cons of water fluoridation?
The Cons of Fluoride in Drinking Water Fluoride dosage cannot be controlled, meaning that people who drink more water ingest more fluoride. Excess fluoride exposure can lead to dental fluorosis, which creates white streaks or brown stains on teeth, creates pits in teeth or even break the enamel of the teeth.
Is fluoridation necessary?
In general, milk fluoridation is effective in the prevention of dental caries. In order to protect and reduce caries in primary teeth, it was recommended that fluoridated milk should be consumed by children early on, preferably before the age of 4 years, and at the eruption of their first permanent molars (24).
Can I fluoridate my own water?
Their recommendation will depend on your child’s risk of developing tooth decay and their exposure to other sources of fluoride, such as fluoride toothpaste and drinking water at school or daycare. It is not currently feasible to fluoridate water for a single household.
How effective is fluoride?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that fluoridated water has reduced tooth decay by about 25 percent . Fluoride treatments may offer even more significant benefits to protect teeth. These treatments can be beneficial to people at risk of tooth decay but may not be right for everyone.
What happens to teeth with too much fluoride?
While low levels of fluoride help strengthen and protect tooth enamel, too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis—a discoloration of teeth, usually with opaque white marks, lines, or mottled enamel and poor mineralization.
Is there an alternative to fluoride?
These alternatives to fluoride have been proven beneficial for a healthy mouth. Suggesting xylitol, coral calcium, silver, arginine, and theobromine provides beneficial options to patients who choose not to use fluoride.
How often can you do fluoride treatment?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your oral health. If you’re at high risk for cavities, your dentist may also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or gel to use regularly at home.
What do holistic dentists use instead of fluoride?
Neem is a natural herb used for various traditions, but it can also improve your oral health. One study compared neem to a common plaque-reducing dental product, which it significantly outperformed. You can use neem leaf extract at home to help combat plaque that can lead to gingivitis and tooth decay.
How much does community water fluoridation cost?
An economic review of multiple studies found that savings for communities ranged from $1.10 to $135 for every $1 invested. 2 Per capita annual costs for community water fluoridation ranged from $0.11 to $24.38, while per capita annual benefits ranged from $5.49 to $93.19. 2
Are fluoridation systems expensive to install?
The base equipment for a fluoridation system can be installed relatively inexpensively. However, in order for fluoridation to be safe for consumers, operators and the environment; proper controls must be in place regardless of system size. These additional controls add cost, which can be significant.
How is the annual fluoride chemical cost calculated for WTS?
The annual fluoride chemical cost was calculated specific to each WTS, based on the volume of water produced, the required concentration of fluoride (0.7 mg/l) [40], the specific gravity of H2SiF6and the HSE contracted cost per litre of H2SiF6for 2017 (Eq. 6).
Does fluoridation save money on dental bills?
The dollars spent on fluoridation represent a fraction of the cost to treat dental disease, and in recent decades, the evidence demonstrating cost savings has grown. For most cities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $32 in dental treatment costs.