Australian researchers have found that 70 percent of the children who live in non-fluoridated areas have more dental problems than those who drank adequately fluoridated water.
Australian researchers have found that 70 percent of the children who live in non-fluoridated areas have more dental problems than those who drank adequately fluoridated water.
These findings were arrived at after a study involving more than 250,000 children. Jason Armfield, a researcher at the Australian Centre for Population Oral health at the University of Adelaide was categorical in saying that the study highlighted the need for fluoridation, "The study shows that water fluoridation significantly reduces the occurrence of dental decay in school children. The results present a powerful case for the extension of water fluoridation to those parts of NSW currently without fluoridation."Water fluoridation has long been recognized as a credible defense against developing cavities in children. Fluoride works by integrating into the tooth enamel and rendering it insoluble to the acids that are released as a result of the fermentation of sugars including glucose, sucrose and lactose. In fact dentists recommend that kids should be given fluoride therapy at certain ages when molars are erupting into the oral cavity. Fluoride toothpastes are also recommended. Dental caries is caused as a result of the dissolution of tooth enamel by acids. Improper brushing, eating excess chocolates as well as a general neglect of oral hygiene also cause dental caries. Fluoride is recognized as a protection against the same. Water fluoridation first began in Grand Rapids in USA in 1945. Since then tooth decay has significantly come down in fluoridated areas. However, experts warn that excess fluorides cause a condition called fluorosis, which affects the skeleton including bones and teeth.
