Water fluoridation Flashcards
What is water fluoridation?
Controlled addition of fluoride to public water supply as public health measure to reduce incidence of caries
WHO stance on water fluoridation?
Fluoridation of water supply is most effective public health measure for preventing of dental decay
Aim of water fluoridation?
Reduce risk level across population
Mechanism of action of fluoride?
Fluoride incorporated into hydroxyapatite = fluoro-apatatie –> more resistance to dissolution
F- promotes remin of early caries lesion
F- interfere w/ metabolic pathways bacteria reducing acid production
What is optimum dose F- added water?
1ppm - DMFT reduced but no increase fluorosis
How was optimum dose of F- found?
DMFT plotted against prevalence of flurosis
How much of population in UK has fluoridated water?
10%
Do water companies decide if fluoridated?
No - local authorities decide
If local authorities request a water company WILL
Trend in caries reduction, is water fluoridation reason?
Partly
Other: F- toothpaste, F- delivery, etc
Diff types of fluoride delivery?
Water fluoridation 1ppm Toothpaste >1000ppm Mouthrinises 0.05% Varnish 2.2% 22,600ppm High fluoride toothpaste: 2800ppm/ 5000ppm
Issues of water fluoridation?
Cost effectiveness
Feasibility - legislation, water supplies
Acceptability - political, social, ethical, cultural
Adv of fluoroapatite?
Lower solubility in acid
What metabolic process in bacteria does f- interfere w,?
Glycolysis - interfere w/ conversion of sugars into organic acids
Lethal dose of F-?
15mg/kg
Dose fluoride provide sub-toxic side effect?
1mg/kg
