Why Do We Use Fluoride In Public Water?

Caries prevention is extremely important for not only kids, but adults as well. There are different ways that people can do this, but one of the easier methods is by using fluoride. Fluoride is commonly known for preventing dental caries and also helping with strengthening bone. There has always been a controversy that fluoride is extremely bad for the body and that it should not be allowed to be in public water. Besides water, fluoride is also found in food and beverages, known as a form of systemic fluoride that many people also believe is problematic. Toothpastes and mouth rinses account for two of the three primary fluoride caries prevention methods as well as water. What many people may not know or understand is that fluoride is actually
Over 70 years ago, 72% the United States population now has fluoridated water that comes to their homes (Carey, 2014, p. 96). Advantages to this method are that it provides an equal amount of fluoride to everyone that has access to community water systems, it is inexpensive and it enhances remineralization (Darby, 2015, p. 581). Since community water fluoridation began, it is now effective in preventing tooth decay by 25% (Fluoride, 2017). The best level of fluoride in the community water can range from 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million, and this range can effectively reduce dental decay while also minimizing the chance of dental fluorosis to occur (American, 2005, p. 11). “Dental fluorosis is caused by a disruption in enamel formation which occurs during tooth development in early childhood related to a higher than optimal intake of fluoride” (American, 2005, p. 28). It is possible to see rough and pitted surfaces and also white striations or specks on the enamel (Carey, 2014, p. 96). Testing of the water periodically is a public health measure that is taken to make sure that there is only a naturally occurring level of fluoride in the water (Darby, 2015, p. 581). It is mandatory that defluoridation is used when naturally occurring fluoride has exceeded the levels recommended to a given area (Darby, 2015, p.
An infant who is six months old should use just a smear of toothpaste until the age of two where they should use a pea sized amount (Darby, 2015, p. 584). After fluorosis became a major concern, manufactures began to market low fluoride “pediatric” or “children’s” toothpastes that contained less than 600 ppm fluoride (Foundation, 2015). It is best to delay the introduction of fluoridated toothpaste until a child reaches age two because we want them to refrain from digesting fluoride (Darby, 2015, p. 584). Mouth rinses have been becoming more popular as time has gone on and it is responsible for killing most bacteria found in a person’s mouth. Rinses that contain fluoride can help prevent halitosis, dental caries and gingivitis. It is recommended that children ages 6-18 years old should used 0.09 percent fluoride (900ppm) mouth rinse weekly (Carey, 2014, p. 100). Prescription mouth rinses are generally used for clients who have dentinal hypersensitivity, exposed roots, orthodontic clients, and for clients who have demineralized areas (Darby, 2015, p. 585).
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