Fluoride Research Paper

Another issue of controversy is the safety of the chemicals used to fluoridate water. The most commonly used additives are silicofluorides, not the fluoride salts used in dental products (such as sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride). Silicofluorides are one of the by-products from the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers. The toxicity database on silicofluorides is sparse and questions have been raised about the assumption that they completely dissociate in water and, therefore, have toxicity similar to the fluoride salts tested in laboratory studies and used in consumer products (Coplan and Masters 2001). It also has been maintained that, because of individual variations in exposure to fluoride, it is difficult to ensure that the right individual dose to protect against dental caries is provided through large-scale water fluoridation. In addition, a body of information has developed that indicates the major anticaries benefit of fluoride is topical and not systemic (Zero et al. 1992; Rölla and Ekstrand 1996; Featherstone 1999; Limeback 1999a; Clarkson and McLoughlin 2000; CDC 2001; Fejerskov

Fluoride Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in almost all foods and water supplies. The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluorine, the 13th most abundant element in the earth's crust, is never encountered in its free state in nature. It exists only in combination with other elements as a fluoride compound. Fluoride is effective in preventing and reversing the early signs of tooth decay.

The NRC reported in 2007 that fluoride was considered an element essential to life. Fluoride plays an important role in the body’s ability to perform metabolic and biochemical reactions that help prevent tooth decay and help bone formation. Essentially the government says that the fluoridation of water is more helpful than harmful for people as it is a good use of tax dollars as it treats upper class and lower class citizens equally in dental prevention.

American Dental Association (ADA) has written and article on “5 Reasons Why Fluoride in Water is Good for Communities”(ADA, 2017.). The ADA then proceeds to go into depth on each of these five topics, as I will summarize in my own words. First, fluoride prevents tooth decay by being present in the

Fluoride is the ionic form of the element fluorine and is the 13th most abundant element in the earth's crust. Chemically, fluoride is negatively charged and combines with positive ions to form stable compounds such as calcium fluoride or sodium fluoride. Such fluorides are released into the environment naturally in the form of both water and air. Generally, when the term fluoride is mentioned, thoughts associated with calcified tissues (i.e., bones and teeth) are provoked. This is likely due to fluoride’s high affinity for calcium, enabling its ability to inhibit or even reverse the initiation and progression of dental caries, otherwise known as tooth decay. Caries are an infectious, multifactorial disease afflicting most persons

When fluoridation plans came about in 1964 it was estimated that only 10% of children would be affected by fluorosis, however cases have since exceeded such estimations. There are three forms of fluorosis; mild, moderate and severe. Although nearly all cases are considered amongst the ‘mild’ category there is still evidence of negative effects, enough to make people sceptical. Along with fluoride being harmful to teeth it was found to damage soft tissues and bones. Recently there have been 24 studies performed which found links to reduced IQ in children exposed to amounts of fluoride. However, these tests were not tested with fluoridated water. When added to water it is in compound form, for example as sodium fluoride, therefore reducing its toxicity. It is also well known that susceptibility to the fluoride toxins varies greatly between individuals. Fluorosis is the most common disorder which fluoride creates. It is almost always having a cosmetic effect leaving white streaks on teeth as well as altering the appearance of growing teeth in children. The fact that it leaves permanent damage to the tooth’s enamel means that parents are highly reluctant to having such a harmful chemical in their water. This is not only a common theme in the UK, only 11 countries in the world have more than 50% of their population drinking fluoridated water. With only about 6 million people supplied with fluoridated water, it means only 10% of the UK has agreed to the legislations. This shows that very few people agree with its benefits. Anti- fluoride campaigns are most prominent in Manchester and London, two major

Added to toothpastes and mouth washes to help defend your teeth from cavities is fluoride. Fluoride helps in teeth support and repairs broken surfaces. It works by forming a strong compound with other chemicals on your teeth so that they’ll be less-prone to acid attack. The acid comes from the bacteria that live on sugars we eat. Brushing and flossing your teeth will get rid of the bacteria and rinse them away but it doesn’t help in the long term. Fluoride works to form a compound that is long lasting to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

The history of fluoride dates back to the 1940’s when an experiment was conducted in four major cities in the United States to see if water fluoridation would help the communities with dental cavities. This study states that “Over a ten year period of fluoridation, the incidence of cavities in each city was cut in half. The beneficial effect of fluoride was not dependent on the source of the fluoride” (Fallon 2006 pg. 2). The benefits of fluoride are great because if a person takes in some fluoride over a period of time there will be less cavities and he/she will have stronger teeth. Arkansas Dental Hygiene Association states, “Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe, and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. Fluoridation benefits Americans of all ages and socioeconomic status.” It has been proven that the use of fluoride dental products can effectively prevent tooth decay in

Fluorine is added in water in certain countries and used in toothpaste so that it can strengthen people’s teeth.

While the side that is for fluoridation use the argument of it improving tooth care and reducing dental cost the opposite side claim that this method is unhealthy for the human body and can cause various illnesses and aliments.

Plaque that builds up on teeth naturally produces acids that break down the tooth enamel, leaving teeth open to bacteria that cause decay. Fluoride helps to reverse this process and can help to repair the enamel on the teeth of your loved one. Seniors have a higher likelihood of developing tooth decay, due to loss of saliva production and loss of dexterity, which can make brushing and flossing difficult. Drinking fluoridated water is a simple way to get fluoride to the teeth, preventing or slowing down tooth decay.

On top of naturally occurring fluoride, there is also man-made fluoride manufactured in laboratories and it’s this that’s added to toothpaste, mouthwashes and more importantly our drinking water. Water authorities add this manufactured fluoride to our tap water under the pretense that it reduces tooth decay. Way back in the 1930’s, scientists found that any given population would benefit from two thirds fewer cavities if they were brought up in areas with naturally fluoridated water. This was in comparison to those living within areas where the water wasn’t

Both of these properties are scientifically documented. Fluoride is very good for your teeth, says Katarina.

I no longer use fluoridated toothpaste or get the fluoride treatment from the dentist. Non-fluoridated toothpastes are just as effective as ones with fluoride. And as far as fluoride treatments go, I value my health more than a pretty smile.

i. Although defenders of fluoride continue to claim that there are no dangers in using fluoride for dental care, the facts speak for themselves. Dr. Edward Group, who in his 2015 article “The Dangers of Fluoride” stated that “Every year Poison Control centers receive thousands of calls from people