Water fluoridation is effective at preventing tooth decay

What is Water Fluoridation?

Fluorides are minerals found in the earth’s crust and in all water supplies. Community water fluoridation has been successfully utilised in Australia for over 50 years.

 

The process of add fluoride to water involves topping up the naturally occurring levels of fluoride in water to strengthen teeth and is the most effective and efficient way of achieving a reduction in dental caries across a community.

 

 

 

“Systematic reviews completed worldwide consistently report that scientific evidence does not support the link between community water fluoridation and adverse any health effect.”

 

 

 

About Water Fluoridation

The relationship between fluoride and teeth has been studied since the early 19th century and it was at the turn of the 20th century that researchers believed that fluoride would protect against tooth decay.

 

Community water fluoridation in America began in 1945 after a study found that people living in areas with higher levels of fluoride in the water experienced less tooth decay than people living in communities with lower levels of fluoride.

 

Water fluoridation was introduced in Australia in the 1960s after its effectiveness at preventing tooth decay became obvious. Today around 90% of Australians have access to fluoridised water.

 

Health and dental organisations throughout the world continue to endorse the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation, arguing that it reduces tooth decay and is a major health benefit resulting in healthier teeth and fewer visits to the dentist.

 

Around the world approximately 400 million people now have access to fluoride water and in areas where it is impractical other forms of fluoride such as fluoridised salt is used as an alternative.

 

Claims opposing community water fluoridation are often based on outdated information and questionable research.

 

There have been hundreds of studies assessing the possible association between fluoride in water and a wide range of health conditions.

 

Systematic reviews completed worldwide consistently report that scientific evidence does not support the link between community water fluoridation and adverse any health effect.

 

 

 

Worried About Water Fluoridation?

If you would like further information on the effects of fluoridation of water please call Sunshine Coast Smile Centre on 5443 2800.

 

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