USA - Letter: Dahl: Flouride in water is safe and effective
Dahl: Flouride in water is safe and effective
A letter to the editor — 10/22/2007 8:33 am
Dear Editor: The Wisconsin Dental Association wants to set the record straight on water fluoridation. A "holistic health" magazine recently included an alarming, inaccurate article attacking fluoride.
The U.S. surgeon general, the Centers for Disease Control and other respected organizations recognize community water fluoridation as one of the most significant public health advances of the 20th century and one of the safest, most cost-effective ways to increase overall oral health.
Studies throughout the past 60 years consistently indicate water fluoridation is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. Fluoridation has been shown to reduce tooth decay by up to 40 percent in children and by nearly 35 percent in adults. The proven safe low level of fluoride in the water supply is particularly effective for children, because it is absorbed during tooth development and makes the formation of the tooth structure much more resistant to future decay.
Fluoride occurs naturally in combination with other minerals in soil and rocks. Small amounts are also present naturally in almost all water sources. The Environmental Protection Agency has established drinking water standards for various substances, including fluoride, to protect public health. When consumed in appropriate dosages, fluoride is safe and effective in preventing and controlling tooth decay.
Preventing dental disease is more than a one-time event and water fluoridation is an important step. Preventive oral health care requires a comprehensive approach and must include professional diagnosis by a dentist, regular dental examinations with X-rays, necessary restorative and periodontal treatment early in the development of dental disease, regular personal oral hygiene practices, observance of healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, consumption or application of appropriate fluoride supplements, appropriate placement of dental sealants and patient education.
Eva Dahl
president, Wisconsin
Dental Association
Onalaska
"regular dental examinations with X-rays" End up with mouth cancer
A letter to the editor — 10/22/2007 8:33 am
Dear Editor: The Wisconsin Dental Association wants to set the record straight on water fluoridation. A "holistic health" magazine recently included an alarming, inaccurate article attacking fluoride.
The U.S. surgeon general, the Centers for Disease Control and other respected organizations recognize community water fluoridation as one of the most significant public health advances of the 20th century and one of the safest, most cost-effective ways to increase overall oral health.
Studies throughout the past 60 years consistently indicate water fluoridation is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. Fluoridation has been shown to reduce tooth decay by up to 40 percent in children and by nearly 35 percent in adults. The proven safe low level of fluoride in the water supply is particularly effective for children, because it is absorbed during tooth development and makes the formation of the tooth structure much more resistant to future decay.
Fluoride occurs naturally in combination with other minerals in soil and rocks. Small amounts are also present naturally in almost all water sources. The Environmental Protection Agency has established drinking water standards for various substances, including fluoride, to protect public health. When consumed in appropriate dosages, fluoride is safe and effective in preventing and controlling tooth decay.
Preventing dental disease is more than a one-time event and water fluoridation is an important step. Preventive oral health care requires a comprehensive approach and must include professional diagnosis by a dentist, regular dental examinations with X-rays, necessary restorative and periodontal treatment early in the development of dental disease, regular personal oral hygiene practices, observance of healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, consumption or application of appropriate fluoride supplements, appropriate placement of dental sealants and patient education.
Eva Dahl
president, Wisconsin
Dental Association
Onalaska
"regular dental examinations with X-rays" End up with mouth cancer
posted by Bill at
9:57 AM
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