Fluoridated Water

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the benefits of water fluoridation. It begins by describing the controversy surrounding fluoridating water and some of the potential health risks associated with consuming fluoridated water. It then goes on to describe the benefits that have been seen in countries where fluoridated water is used, particularly in the realm of pediatric dental health.

From the Paper:

"The April 2000 Journal of Dental Research states that the use of fluoride over the past 4 decades has been the primary factor in saving up to $40 billion in oral health care costs in America. Children living in areas without fluoridated water are 3 times more likely to have dental decay. Left untreated, decay can lead to tooth loss, malocclusion, and even the need for dentures later in life."
"Clearly, fluoridated water prevents tooth decay. Years of research prove the benefits of fluoride far outweigh any possible side effects. Children lose when fluoride is removed from the public water. The most vulnerable are from low-income areas where they have no other preventative advantages. Opponents argue that fluoridated water is a forced medicine on the public. On the contrary, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral used to prevent dental decay. Children should be the main consideration in the fluoridation fight. The water should remain fluoridated for them."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Dental Association. (1995, January 01). Retrieved December 04, 2006, from http://ada.org
• American Dental Association. (2005). Fluoride Facts (Rev. ed.) [Brochure]. Chicago, Illinois: Author.
• Arnold, Jr, F., Dean, H., Jay, P., & Kuntson, J. (2006). Effect of Fluoridated Public Water Supplies on Dental Caries Prevalence. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 84, 761-764.
• Brand, M. (2001). Fluoridation Saves Teeth, Money. Nation's Health, 31. Retrieved January 04, 2007, from Health Source database.
• Committee On Fluoride In Drinking Water, & National Research Council. (2006). Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA'S Standards (1st ed.). Washington D.C., Washington S.C.: The National Academics Press.

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