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Related Experiment Videos

The future of water fluoridation.

D M O'Mullane1

  • 1University Dental School, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.

Journal of Dental Research
|February 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Water fluoridation remains effective for preventing tooth decay, even with declining cavity rates and increased costs. Widespread use of fluoride toothpaste does not lead to excessive fluoride intake or increased dental fluorosis in communities with fluoridated water.

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Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Dental Research
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Concerns exist regarding the declining effectiveness and cost-efficiency of water fluoridation for dental caries prevention in developed nations.
  • Increased environmental fluoride exposure from sources like toothpaste and food/drinks, alongside reduced caries prevalence, fuels these concerns.
  • Potential for increased dental fluorosis due to excessive fluoride intake in fluoridated areas with widespread toothpaste use has been suggested.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the continued effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of water fluoridation.
  • To assess fluoride intake and dental fluorosis prevalence in fluoridated communities with high toothpaste usage.
  • To address recent questions about water fluoridation's role in contemporary public health.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of recent data from Ireland, reflecting trends in many developed countries.
  • Examination of caries prevention rates in the context of declining overall caries levels.
  • Assessment of fluoride intake and dental fluorosis prevalence in relation to water fluoridation and toothpaste use.

Main Results:

  • Water fluoridation is confirmed as an effective caries prevention strategy, even with reduced population-level caries.
  • The cost-effectiveness of water fluoridation is maintained despite increased implementation costs.
  • No evidence indicates excessive fluoride intake or increased dental fluorosis prevalence in communities with widespread fluoride toothpaste use alongside water fluoridation.

Conclusions:

  • Water fluoridation remains a vital and cost-effective public health measure for dental caries prevention.
  • The strategy's efficacy persists despite declining caries rates and increased environmental fluoride exposure.
  • Public health initiatives should continue to support water fluoridation, as it does not appear to cause harm regarding excessive fluoride intake or fluorosis in current usage patterns.

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