Ethical Issues Flashcards
What is water fluoridation
Practice of adding fluoride to water supplies for the purpose of preventing tooth decay
What is the proposing side of water fluoridation arguing
- small quantities of fluoride during development grow teeth that are stronger and less susceptible to attack
- after ema election is formed fluoride prevents bacteria from making acids that make Roth decay
- increase oral health of population therefore leaving less restrains on NHS
What does the opposing side of water fluoridation argue
- FDA accepts when fluoride is used in water to prevent disease is is classed as a drug and not a mineral
- Therefore water fluoridation is mass medication and that violates many human rights and brings about many ethical issues
E.g (deprives the right to consent to medication)
- also you cannot generalise a whole population as many different individual react differently
- excessive fluoride consumption leads to fluorosis.
Fluorosis = affects the enamel while teeth are developing under the gums
Standpoint on water fluoridation
I feel pros outweigh cons.
•Reduces dental problems
-beneficial to areas where there is little to none dental services
•However I feel as though people should have a say in what they consume
-local council level votes
What is amalgam
Common martial used to fill cavities. Once ingredient Mercury has raised concerns
What would the proposition for amalgam fillings argue
- pliable, soft enough to press into tooth, harden quickly. Can with stand force
- no evidence supporting it causes any health problems
- FDA study shows it’s safe for adults and children over 6 years old
What would the opposition for amalgam fillings argue
- toxicity to human body and how much we absorb
- allergic reaction to Mercury
- pregnant women (Mercury can travel across placenta)
Standpoint on amalgam fillings
- Very beneficial, low cost, duty material long lasting
- Research shows that it is safe in small quantities
- Mercury in amalgam is less than what people are exposed to in their daily environment
HOWEVER..
Modern dental solutions will phase out amalgam.
And new solutions will take its place
Tooth coloured and in the form of composite
Still useful for large cavities where aesthetics are not concerned