Natural and Artificial Fluoridation of the Drinking Water
<p id="p1">Dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic disease, disproportionately affecting communities of lower socioeconomic status. One effective strategy to overcome dental caries, especially at early stages of life, is community water fluoridation. After the observation that natural fluor...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Book Chapter |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
IntechOpen
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/89766 |
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| Summary: | <p id="p1">Dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic disease, disproportionately affecting communities of lower socioeconomic status. One effective strategy to overcome dental caries, especially at early stages of life, is community water fluoridation. After the observation that natural fluoride in the drinking was related to the reduction of the prevalence of dental caries, artificial water was implemented and fluoride became the cornerstone of many preventive programs for children and adults implemented worldwide. It has been confirmed that, in areas where fluoride is naturally abundant in drinking water (with high groundwater concentration), caries levels are reduced, eliminating the need for fluoridation. However, in areas where fluoride concentration is insufficient, fluoridation can effectively reduce dental issues without causing adverse side effects such as cancer or mental disorders. It does not alter the taste or odor of drinking water but significantly reduces dental caries, a serious dental concern. Governments must analyze drinking water and take necessary actions for fluoridation where needed. In areas where fluoridation is not feasible, it is important to utilize alternative dietary sources to ensure proper fluoride levels for community dental health. Drinking water fluoridation is a program that provides safe public drinking water while delivering oral health benefits and positively impacting the social and environmental determinants of overall population health. Despite its paramount importance in dental science, there is a scarcity of systematic reviews on this topic. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to summarize the literature on the effects of water fluoridation (artificial or natural) for dental caries prevention and to evaluate its impact on dental fluorosis.</p> |
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| ISBN: | 978-0-85014-333-1 |
| DOI: | 10.5772/intechopen.115557 |