Fluoride Treatments: Good or Bad?
Healthy Teeth
Government
Risks outweigh Benefits?
History
Children had discolored teeth Lower rate in cavities Fluoride Ions 1 ppm
Pike’s Peak
Began fluoridating water
Led to spread of addition of fluoride
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Why is Fluoride Beneficial?
Tooth Decay: A Problem Around the World
People eat foods that erode enamel
Fluoride-improved health of teeth
Reaches people of various socio-economic statuses
Clearly demonstrated in the UK
Healthy Teeth=Superficial?
Pain
Anxiety
Looks
Disadvantages of Unhealthy Teeth
Why?Allowed all to have benefits
What about toothpaste?
Not always afforded and it might not be used properly
Could Fluoride be Bad?
Concern in UK
Case study
“No evidence of any increase in in the risk of hip fracture from fluoride in drinking water.”
Bone Fractures
Concern in US
Absorb more lead
Little to no evidence supporting this theory
Levels of Lead in Blood
But fluoride toothpaste is spit out
And what about bone cancer?
Observable Disadvantages: Discoloration
Why do people still fear fluoride?
Dead rat?
Right to Refuse Medical Treatment
Risks that aren’t known yet
Brain-washing?
Fluoride is a natural ingredient in ground water
Decreases tooth decay
Oral Health
However
Fluoride=Beneficial