12 - Community water fluoridation Flashcards
1
Q
What is the concentration of fluoride used in community water fluoridation?
A
0.5-1.2ppm
2
Q
What is used to fluoridate water?
A
- hydrofluorosilicic acid
- sodium fluorosilicate
3
Q
What is the mean natural water fluoride content in Scotland?
A
0.1mgF/l
4
Q
How does UK legislation impact water fluoridation?
A
- must be public consultation prior introduction or termination of fluoridation
- authority must monitor health of public
- water undertakers must follow instruction of authority
5
Q
What are the ethical considerations of water fluoridation?
A
- does not infringe on rights
- replicates natural water in other geographical locations
6
Q
What are the safety considerations of water fluoridation?
A
- the chemicals used are waste products of industrial processes (good)
- toxic?
- health conditions possibly linked include cancer, bone disorders, cognitive impairment
- fluorosis?
7
Q
How does fluorosis present clinically?
A
Mottled enamel
8
Q
What are the political considerations of water fluoridation?
A
- anti-fluoridation lobby are very vocal
- parties will not tackle if they believe they will lose votes
9
Q
What are the geographical considerations of water fluoridation?
A
- health care, local authority and water undertakers do not have the same boundaries
- some areas already have naturally high fluoride concentration in their water
10
Q
Describe the predicted cost savings with community water fluoridation.
A
Higher initial spend than a lot of other community programmes but yields 20 fold savings
