Adding a small amount of fluoride to water that does not have a significant amount in it naturally is one of the simplest ways to improve the dental health of the public. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. It helps to prevent many dental maladies such as tooth decay, cavities, and diseases that lead to tooth loss. It can also increase bone density in general.
The American Medical Association endorsed the addition of fluoride to water sources in 1951, and this endorsement was followed shortly in 1953 by an endorsement from the American Dental Association. The idea to do this first came about in the early 20th century with Frederick McKay, who noticed that people living in some areas of the United States had teeth that were more resistant to tooth decay. After a great deal of research, he came to the conclusion that this had to do with the amount of fluoride in the water supplies of the different areas.
Recently, a number of questions have arisen about the actual safety of fluoridation as well as some ethical concerns. Some people believe the government should not force fluoride on the population, and that people should have a choice about whether or not their water is fluoridated. Others believe the fluoride in water is now superfluous because almost all toothpaste today contains an adequate amount of fluoride.
Some studies have indicated that fluoride may actually weaken the bones and possibly connective tissues in joints. It can also cause a condition called fluorosis, which is largely cosmetic. Fluorosis stains the teeth, making them an unattractive brown color, but it does not cause any detrimental physical problems.
Another recent study by the National Institutes of Mental Health suggested that fluoride-damaged teeth could be linked to psychological and behavioral problems. Fluoride may also play a role in some protein digestion and protein intolerance issues. It has been linked to stomach and abdominal discomforts such as cramps and indigestion
It is believed that many people actually suffer from persistent, mysterious stomach maladies associated with fluoride, but few make the connection between their water and their discomfort. Proponents of fluoride argue that the amount of fluoride needed for these negative effects is much higher than the concentrations present in fluoridation.
The Conclusion
The known benefits of fluoridation largely outweigh the possibly negative effects. It helps millions of lower-income children, in particular, maintain better oral health and has cut back on preventable tooth decay. Decisions to fluoridate a community's water are currently made on state and sometimes local levels. Not everywhere in the United States has fluoridated water, and even if your water is fluoridated, it is not that difficult to avoid if you are extremely passionate about the issue.
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