Editor’s note: This commentary is by Dr. Charles Bookwalter, who is practicing pediatric dentist, president of the Vermont Society of Pediatric Dentistry and chairperson of the Vermont Oral Health Coalition Fluoridation Committee.
[C]ommunity water fluoridation is one of the top 10 public health successes of the 20th century. That’s a feat.
When faced with a disease, we look to medical experts and public health officials for solutions. Their expert scientific councils critically review the research and literature and establish protocols to manage disease.
This model has contributed to better standards of living and extended life expectancy. It has also eradicated diseases like smallpox and contained contagions like Ebola. It’s a proven, scientific model. That model is used to create protocols for water fluoridation.
Tooth decay is the result of disease, and water fluoridation has repeatedly proven to be one of our safest and most effective means of combating that disease.
In addition to the World Health Organization, there is a long list of medical groups and organizations that endorse fluoridation, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Dental Association, American Cancer Society, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Geriatric Society.
Frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride is the best anti-cavity tool, making water fluoridation an ideal medium to provide a public health benefit.
Fluoride is a mineral element of nature and present in all water to some degree. In the 1930s, some communities were found by scientists to have significantly less tooth decay than others. Natural occurring fluoride in the water was found to be the reason. When there was no other potential for fluoride exposure, water fluoridation at the threshold of 1 part per million (ppm), demonstrated a 60 percent reduction in tooth decay. Today we have multiple sources for fluoride, yet water fluoridation at 0.7 ppm remains an important part of preventing tooth decay and contributes to a lifetime of oral health.
Frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride is the best anti-cavity tool, making water fluoridation an ideal medium to provide a public health benefit. Every sip has valuable health benefits — for children and adults. The enamel of developing teeth absorbs fluoride into the entire depth of the enamel. Once the teeth come in, fluoride enhances the surface enamel to provide a healing effect throughout life.
Even folks living in non-fluoridated areas benefit from what is called a “halo” effect. Those persons consume products made with fluoridated water. But according to the Surgeon General, people living in a fluoridated community have fewer cavities and better oral health.
It is safe. Research verified by refereed medical journals is the basis for our best science and has overwhelmingly shown water fluoridation to be safe and effective. And we have had 70 years of data to verify it. The process for fluoridation meets established standards and is closely monitored and includes reporting requirements. Vermont’s state toxicologist provides a great video presentation on the safety of fluoride here.
It is important to note too that fluoride, while a safe and proven asset, is just one key element to good oral health. A healthy diet and daily oral hygiene also play critical roles in reducing tooth decay.
As a pediatric dentist, I see way too much tooth decay in our kids. The standard of care is to assess the fluoride exposure as part of a prevention program and maximize the benefit of this key element. Our 8-year-old children have 12 beautiful new permanent teeth. Water fluoridation helps to keep them healthy for a lifetime.
For more information visit ILikeMyTeeth.org
