Fluoride and Fluoridation, Essay Example

Introduction

Fluoride is an essential component of positive dental health for both children and adults. This additive, which is found in the water supplies of most large cities in the United States and impacts 195 million Americans (Fluoride Works). Specifically, fluoride provides an additional layer of protection for tooth enamel and in the long-term prevention of tooth decay in both children and adults (Fluoride Works). In general, when teeth receive the positive benefits of fluoride, it also promotes positive general health across all age groups; therefore, fluoride is critical to water supplies and must continue to be used in order to protect human health and wellbeing (Fluoride Works).

Body

From an economic perspective, fluoride is very inexpensive, as it is estimated to cost anywhere between $.50 and $3.00 annually per person (Fluoride Works). Due to its low cost, it provide an additional layer of protection in the prevention of larger health problems that could create even larger economic challenges for many communities and their residents (Fluoride Works). As a result, the use of fluoride is a life-changing measure in many areas that is easily adopted at a low economic cost to the consumer.

The public health benefits of fluoride are also well known and have been encouraged by many experts, including the American Dental Association, as it has reduced the risk of tooth decay by 25 percent in both children and adults (ADA). In addition, with every investment of one dollar towards fluorination, it represents a cost savings of $38 in necessary dental care and treatment (Fluoride Works). Therefore, it is important to continue to fluorinate water in order to prevent tooth decay and other dental concerns for patients across all age groups who face a high risk of these conditions (Fluoride Works).

In addition to water fluorination, most toothpastes include fluoride, which provides an additional layer of protection for human teeth and gums (Colgate). Furthermore, dental products such as mouth rinses and special treatments also contain fluoride, and this represents a means of further advancing the use of this additive to improve dental health in other ways (Colgate). Fluoride treatments may be administered in the dentist’s office and also in the home environment, depending on consumer needs and dental history (Colgate). It is also recommended that for people who do not consume tap water and instead rely on bottled water, they should consider supplemental fluoride treatments in order to prevent tooth decay and other complications, also if they commonly have a dry mouth, if braces are worn, and if there is separation between the gums and the teeth, as each of these scenarios is likely to further advance the risk of tooth decay (Colgate). These factors provide further evidence of the need for and the benefits of fluoride for individuals of all ages, as this provides a layer of protection for the teeth that should not be ignored (Colgate).

Conclusion

In general, fluoride prevents tooth decay, which is found in 50 percent of children and approximately 80 percent of teens at the age of 17 (Fluoride Works). As a result, fluoride must continue to be used on a regular basis in order to prevent tooth decay and other concerns that may require dental treatment and additional out of pocket cost for consumers that could otherwise be prevented with the use of fluoride on a daily basis. Therefore, fluoride is strongly recommended for both children and adults and should be evaluated for its many benefits as part of a strong dental hygiene regimen across all populations.

Works Cited

American Dental Association. “Fluoride and fluoridation.” 19 April 2015: http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation

Colgate. “Adults and fluoride.” 19 April 2015: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Checkups-and-Dental-Procedures/Fluoride/article/Adults-and-Fluoride.cvsp

Fluoride Works. “Fluoridation benefits.” 19 April 2015: http://fluorideworks.org/benefits/