USA - Block to preventive health is discouraging to dentists
Block to preventive health is discouraging to dentists
DENTISTRY IS all about prevention. As dentists, we are trained to do everything possible to keep every tooth healthy. That’s why your story on fluoride (“Fluoridation is still a hard sell in Mass.,’’ Page A1, Sept. 29) is so discouraging to those in the dental profession who have tirelessly advocated for fluoride for more than a half a century. As a state, we pride ourselves on being leaders in science and medicine. Yet, as your story accurately indicates, Massachusetts ranks a dismal 36th in the country when it comes to community water fluoridation.
More than 65 major health organizations worldwide have endorsed water fluoridation. Clinical studies continue to show that fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by up to 60 percent in children and 35 percent in adults. But we also have come to realize that the issue of fluoride, to some, is less about science and more about emotion. The groups and individuals questioning the safety of fluoride tend to forget that many dentists are parents, too. Why would we advocate for water fluoridation if we believed that it would be compromising our own children’s health in any way?
One of the biggest issues in Massachusetts is access to health care for the underserved. That includes oral health care. With less dental disease, there is less need for access. Prevention is less expensive than treatment — for the individual and for the Commonwealth.
Dr. John P. Fisher
President
Massachusetts Dental Society
Southborough
Really? "60 percent in children and 35 percent in adults." No mention of fluorosis. Not all dentists believe the propaganda but a lot are scared to give an opinion
DENTISTRY IS all about prevention. As dentists, we are trained to do everything possible to keep every tooth healthy. That’s why your story on fluoride (“Fluoridation is still a hard sell in Mass.,’’ Page A1, Sept. 29) is so discouraging to those in the dental profession who have tirelessly advocated for fluoride for more than a half a century. As a state, we pride ourselves on being leaders in science and medicine. Yet, as your story accurately indicates, Massachusetts ranks a dismal 36th in the country when it comes to community water fluoridation.
More than 65 major health organizations worldwide have endorsed water fluoridation. Clinical studies continue to show that fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by up to 60 percent in children and 35 percent in adults. But we also have come to realize that the issue of fluoride, to some, is less about science and more about emotion. The groups and individuals questioning the safety of fluoride tend to forget that many dentists are parents, too. Why would we advocate for water fluoridation if we believed that it would be compromising our own children’s health in any way?
One of the biggest issues in Massachusetts is access to health care for the underserved. That includes oral health care. With less dental disease, there is less need for access. Prevention is less expensive than treatment — for the individual and for the Commonwealth.
Dr. John P. Fisher
President
Massachusetts Dental Society
Southborough
Really? "60 percent in children and 35 percent in adults." No mention of fluorosis. Not all dentists believe the propaganda but a lot are scared to give an opinion
posted by Bill at
10:15 AM
2 Comments:
I have to comment on your post about the subject, as it was so informative.
By
Anonymous, at 11 October, 2010
I agree with your points. I don't actually mind water fluoridation, as I believe it really do help minimize or prevent cavities, especially in children. I think the only thing that should be done is to limit the amount of fluoride, so that anything "dangerous to the health" would be avoided. Prevention is something that I admire about dentists. Hendersonville (TN) dental clinic where I bring my kids, is very careful on every procedure they do in oral care. Every prevention should be paired with precaution.
By
Unknown, at 09 November, 2010
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