New Zealand Community Water Fluoridation: Is It Justifiable?
Dental caries (tooth decay) is a chronic disease that affects all ages, and remains one of the most predominant diseases in New Zealand. If left untreated, possible ramifications could include, tooth loss (which may result in an undesirable appearance), pain, and infection. Therefore from an early age, it is essential to establish and implement good oral health practices. Examples of these practices (although not limited to) are, regular dental examinations by a dentist or dental therapist, the use of fluoridated products (such as mouth rinse, toothpaste or fluoride tablets), and consumption of CWF (Cheng, Chalmers, & Sheldon, 2007; RSNZ & PMCSA, 2014).
As a preventative measure …show more content…
Raised concentration levels of fluoride levels in saliva and plaque fluid through the use of fluoridated toothpaste, and ingestion of fluoridated water, aids the rate in remineralisation of lesions made during the process of enamel demineralisation (RSNZ & PMCSA, 2014). Evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of CWF in the prevention of tooth decay is substantial; and although fluoride is beneficial to tooth decay prevention, there are known risks related to fluoride intake. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge the difference between the risk of developing the effects due to high fluoride toxicity intake and the risk of them developing through ingestion of …show more content…
It has not been proven to be a nutrient or trace element needed for human physiology, but rather needed for the sole benefit of tooth decay prevention; therefore according Peckham and Awofeso (2014) the need for CWF and it’s accompanying risks are an unnecessary subjugation by the New Zealand government, as preventions for tooth decay can be obtained through non-fluoridated products; examples being Xylitol and probiotics. This leads on to ethical principals that many New Zealander’s feel have been violated; and given the multitude of research and debates (whether credible or not), ethics of being medicated with fluoride through CWF without consent, and by extension having their personal choice of ingesting fluoride removed this does not come as a surprise (Jiang et al., 2014; Peckham & Awofeso, 2014; RSNZ & PMCSA, 2014). This information can be found throughout campaigns used against New Zealand CWF by anti-fluoridation lobby groups (Fluoride Free NZ (n.d.); Fluoride Action Network
Dental caries (tooth decay) is a chronic disease that affects all ages, and remains one of the most predominant diseases in New Zealand. If left untreated, possible ramifications could include, tooth loss (which may result in an undesirable appearance), pain, and infection. Therefore from an early age, it is essential to establish and implement good oral health practices. Examples of these practices (although not limited to) are, regular dental examinations by a dentist or dental therapist, the use of fluoridated products (such as mouth rinse, toothpaste or fluoride tablets), and consumption of CWF (Cheng, Chalmers, & Sheldon, 2007; RSNZ & PMCSA, 2014).
As a preventative measure …show more content…
Raised concentration levels of fluoride levels in saliva and plaque fluid through the use of fluoridated toothpaste, and ingestion of fluoridated water, aids the rate in remineralisation of lesions made during the process of enamel demineralisation (RSNZ & PMCSA, 2014). Evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of CWF in the prevention of tooth decay is substantial; and although fluoride is beneficial to tooth decay prevention, there are known risks related to fluoride intake. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge the difference between the risk of developing the effects due to high fluoride toxicity intake and the risk of them developing through ingestion of …show more content…
It has not been proven to be a nutrient or trace element needed for human physiology, but rather needed for the sole benefit of tooth decay prevention; therefore according Peckham and Awofeso (2014) the need for CWF and it’s accompanying risks are an unnecessary subjugation by the New Zealand government, as preventions for tooth decay can be obtained through non-fluoridated products; examples being Xylitol and probiotics. This leads on to ethical principals that many New Zealander’s feel have been violated; and given the multitude of research and debates (whether credible or not), ethics of being medicated with fluoride through CWF without consent, and by extension having their personal choice of ingesting fluoride removed this does not come as a surprise (Jiang et al., 2014; Peckham & Awofeso, 2014; RSNZ & PMCSA, 2014). This information can be found throughout campaigns used against New Zealand CWF by anti-fluoridation lobby groups (Fluoride Free NZ (n.d.); Fluoride Action Network