Safety and Efficacy of Water Fluoridation

Safety and Efficacy of Water Fluoridation

Terrance Morton, MPH student

Walden University

PH 6165-7:  Aspects of Environmental Health

Instructor: Dr. Rebecca J. Heick

Spring, 2009

 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (1999), fluoridation of water is considered one of the greatest achievements in public health.  Water fluoridation has been shown to reduce the incidence of dental caries, improve overall dental health and reduce the cost of dental care.  An economic analysis conducted by the CDC in 2001, showed that the average cost of water fluoridation is approximately 50 cents per person for a large community (20,000 people).  For every dollar spent on water fluoridation there is a $38 savings in dentalcare expenditures.  The Journal of Dental Research (April 2000) stated that fluoride use has reduced the cost of oral health care in the United States by $40 billion dollars in the past 40 years (Clarkson et al, 2000) and in 2004, the CDC estimated that $78 billion was spent on dentalcare services. The average cost in the United States to fill one cavity is approximately $65, which is the cost to provide fluoridation for an individual for a lifetime (CDC, 2009).

 Not only is community water fluoridation cost effective, it is also safe when used in the right concentration to protect the teeth from dental caries.  The recommended concentration to prevent dental decay is 0.7-1.2 parts per million according to the American Dental Association (2002).  Concentrations above this may cause fluorosis, which appears as white streaks on the teeth.  This is usually seen in children under the age of five.  In the more severe form of this condition, black or brown spots may be seen.   This condition can be reduced or avoided by monitoring the amount of fluoride that children receive or use. 

 The American Dental Association has been a major endorser of the practice of water fluoridation for over 40 years due to the benefits of cavity reductions and improvement in dental health.  Fluoride provides protection by preventing the acid produced by plaque from demineralizing tooth enamel (CDC, 2009).  At present, more than two thirds of children and 91% of adults experience tooth decay.  Since the addition of fluoride to water and other products such as toothpaste, dental rinses and fluoride treatments by dental professionals there has been an 18-40% reduction in tooth decay (CDC, 2009).  

I believe it is more effective to fluoridate community water than to pay higher prices towards the treatment of dentalcaries.  The practice of fluoridating community water is a cost effective, safe, and wise procedure to perform.  In these times of financial hardships for the public, every dollar saved on healthcare expenses can be used towards other necessities. With more and more people becoming unemployed and losing health benefits, the cost of a doctor or dentist visit is becoming more expensive for those who still have medical and dental coverage.  Fluoridation of community water has shown to be a very cost effective method of reducing those factors that increase the need for extensive dental treatment.  According to a study performed by the Louisiana Department of Health (MMWR, 1999), treatment of children with dentalcaries can be expensive and may include procedures done in hospital operating rooms. Many of these children are of low income.  For those children living in areas where water in not fluoridated the cost can be three times as much compared to those children who live in areas that have fluoridated water.  The funds to provide for these dental services come from state Medicaid funds.  With the addition of fluoride to all communities, the cost of dental services would be reduced along with a reduction in dental problems. 

 

References

American Dental Association (2000).  American Dental Association Statement on

            Water Fluoridation Efficacy and Safety.  Retrieved April 11, 2009 from

             http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/fluoride2.asp

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (1999).  Ten Greatest Public Health

            Achievements—United States-1900-1999.  Morbidity and Mortality

            Weekly Report 48(12):  241-243

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2009).  Community Water

            Fluoridation.  Retrieved April 11, 2009 from

            http://www.cdc.gov/Fluoridation/faq.htm#2

Clarkson, J., Hardwick, K., Barnes, D., Richardson, L., & Cohen, L., (2000).

            Internationalcollaborative research on fluoride.  Journal of Dental

            Research 79(4): 893

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (1999).  Water Fluoridation and Costs of

            Medicaid Treatment for Dental Decay—Louisiana, 1995-1996.  Retrieved

            April 16, 2009 from

            http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4834a2.htm