Fluoride: Is a white smile worth the risk? - Matthew Befus

 

Fluoride is the negative ion of the element fluorine, and fluoride is also found in many different sources: In the air, in our food, and our water, both naturally and artificially (1). It is considered toxic if ingested (2). Prolonged ingestion of small amounts of fluoride can lead to condition called fluorosis (2). This condition causes an excessive buildup of teeth, hardening of bones and calcification of ligaments (2). If fluoride is toxic why would we use it? The reason we use fluoride is because it is beneficial for the health of teeth; this is why fluoride is found in toothpaste. The fluoride helps teeth by killing the bacteria, preventing demineralization, and enhancing remineralization (3). It has been speculated that by increasing the amount of fluoride we get from our water, starting in the late 1950s, would increase dental health (1). This has now stirred up a controversy, since the ingestion of fluoride is technically toxic. Some major points against fluorination: The dose can’t be controlled, fluoride is found in many other sources, it is not an essential nutrient, it costs money, and areas that have now rejected fluorination are still seeing a decline in dental decay (5). Despite the benefits fluoride has for teeth it appears the treating our water with extra fluoride might be more harmful than beneficial. The city council of Calgary voted last year to stop fluorinating our water supply, and the decision was made without consulting the public or experts (4).  This decision will save the city 750 000$ a year plus a 6 million dollar upgrade is no longer needed (4).  The money saved is supposedly being used to support dental health in underprivileged children (4). Is artificially fluorinating water a benefiting our dental health or is it an expensive and possibly dangerous idea. I personally believe that fluorination is unnecessary but not as dangerous as it is precieved to be in some sources.  That doesn’t mean that I am right, and only time will tell if the defluorination of Calgary’s water will affect our dental health.  

References

1. Fawell J., Bailey K., Chilton J.,  Dahi E., Fewtrell L. and  Magara Y. (2006). Fluoride in drinking-water.  Padstow, Cornwall, UK TJ international Ltd.
2. Shepherd G. (2005). Fluoride. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia  of Chemical Technology. (pp.342).  Elsevier Inc.
3. No author. (2009) The use of fluoride in infants and children.  Retrieved March 30, 2012, from  http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/n/n02-01.htm
4. No author. (February 8, 2011.). Calgary removing fluoride from water supply. Retrieved March 30, 2012, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2011/02/08/calgary-fluoride-city-water-supply-removal.html
5. Connett P. (August 2011). 50 reasons to oppose fluoridation. Retrieved March 30^th, 2012, from  http://www.fluoridealert.org/50-reasons.htm