Why did the incidences of tooth decay and tooth loss drop dramatically in the 20th century? This can be directly attributed to the increasing consumption of fluoridated water and the use of fluoride dental products. The controlled addition of fluoride to public drinking water supplies is an effective method of preventing cavities. Fluoride operates on the tooth surface and creates low levels of fluoride in saliva. Fluoridation reduces the rate at which tooth enamel demineralizes and accelerates the rate at which it remineralizes.  The World Health Organization recommends fluoride levels ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/L (or milligrams per litre) to be added to drinking water supplies, depending on climatic conditions.

The process of defluoridating water supplies is necessary when fluoride levels in public water supplies exceed recommended levels.

Moreover, the process of fluoridation does not affect the taste or smell of drinking water. Any dentist in Kannapolis NC will agree that dental caries can be prevented through the consumption of fluoridated water and continuous use of fluoride dental hygiene products such as toothpaste, mouthwashes, and gels. Studies have also proven that children with access to fluoridated water and dental products experience an 18-40% reduction in cavities.

The widespread fluoridation of water supplies has helped reduce rates of oral disease and tooth loss globally. Moreover, the American Centres for Disease Control listed water fluoridation as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Water fluoridation ensures that individuals who have no access to high quality dental care are receiving the fluoridation they need to regenerate their teeth.

It can be said that water fluoridation has revolutionized public health and is one of the most underrated achievements of the 20th century.

In many societies, the goal of water fluoridation is the prevention of chronic oral diseases such as tooth decay through the concentrated fluoridation of public drinking water supplies. Although rarely life-threatening, tooth infections and tooth decay can greatly impair eating, speaking, facial expressions, and the enjoyment of everyday life. In developed nations with great socio-economic disparities such as the United States, the highest rates of tooth decay and tooth loss are among the poor. Children from poor families are particularly susceptible to oral diseases.

For adults with permanent teeth, tooth loss can become a serious issue as dental restoration procedures such as fillings and implants are extremely expensive. In fact, oral disease is the fourth most expensive disease to treat in the United States. As the United States begins to implement widespread health reforms, it is hoped that more underprivileged Americans can have equal access to high quality dental care, fluoridated drinking water and dental products, as well as medical insurance.

American public health officials recommend fluoride levels in public drinking water supplies to range from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L or milligrams per litre. The optimal level is dependent upon the maximum daily air temperature. Any dentist Kannapolis NC patients trust will recommend that the optimal level be lower in warmer climates, where people drink more water. Then it should be higher in cooler climates, where people drink less water. The American standard is not applicable in all parts of the world. Optimal levels should be recommended based on a region’s unique temperature and climatic conditions.