What are the sources of fluoride for children if technically water fluoridation is possible ?

For children who do not live in fluoridated communities, dietary fluoride supplements are an effective alternative to water fluoridation for prevention of tooth decay. Another method used to meet the fluoride need is through salt fluoridation. Salt fluoridation is used in over 30 countries, including Switzerland, Columbia, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, France, Spain and Germany. Study shows that for 12 years old children, the initial level of decay reduction due to salt fluoridation is between 35% and 80%.

Is water fluoridation still the effective method for preventing tooth decay ?

Yes, water fluoridation continues to be a very effective method for preventing tooth decay for children, adolescents and adults.

Is tooth decay still a serious problem ?

Yes, tooth decay or dental decay as an infectious disease continues to be a significant oral health problem. Tooth decay is by far the most common and costly oral health problems in all age groups. It is one of the principal causes of tooth loss from early childhood through middle age. A dramatic increase in tooth loss occurs among people from 35 through 44 years of age.

Does tooth decay increases with age ?

Yes. Since older adults experience more problems with gumline recession, the prevalence of tooth decay increases with age. Data from the 1988-1991 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) showed that 22.5% of all adults with natural teeth experienced root decay.

This percentage increased markedly with age.

• 18 to 24 years age group only 6% experienced tooth decay.
• 35 to 44 year age group only 20.8% experienced tooth decay.
• 55 to 64 year age group only 38.2% showed evidence of tooth decay.
• Over 75 years age group, nearly 56% had tooth decay.

Further, decreased salivary flow or xerostoma in old age places the individual in high risk category. Decreases in salivary flow can increase the likelihood of dental decay, because saliva contains many elements necessary for early decay repair including fluoride.

What are other benefits of fluoridation of water ?

Water fluoridation contributes much more to over all health than simply reducing tooth decay. It prevents needless infection, pain suffering and loss of teeth, improves quality of life and saves vast sums of money in dental treatment costs. Additionally, fluoridation conserves natural tooth structure by preventing the need for filling and subsequent replacement fillings.

What happens if water fluoridation is discontinued ?

Dental decay can be expected to increase if water fluoridation in a community is discontinued for one year or more, even if topical products such as fluoride toothpaste and fluoride rinses are available.

There are a number of instances, which show that by discontinuing the fluoridation of water, the incidence of tooth decay rises markedly.