Water fluoridation refers to the addition of fluoride to drinking/ tap water with the aim of reducing tooth decay. In Australia, dental health has significantly improved since water fluoridation began in the 1950s. Studies have shown that Australians born after 1970 have, on average, half the level of tooth decay of their parents’ generation.
There are thousands of arguments for and against water fluoridation. For decades, adding fluoride to the water was a highly controversial and heavily debated subject, and in Queensland it still is. The decision for Fluoridate water is left up to Local Governments, some choosing to opt out. This has a lot to do with some peoples/ minority groups beliefs and arguments that fluoride is actually a toxic and poisonous substance that can have adverse health effects when consumed. When in fact, there has been several university and scientific studies proving otherwise, establishing that there was no association between fluoridation and illness at all. Fluoridation in the water is both safe and highly effective. More than 150 major health organisations including the World Health Organisation, the Australian Medical Association (AMA), and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) support water fluoridation.
In a 1996 study, the teeth of children in fluoridated Townsville were compared with those in non fluoridated Brisbane, and the difference was clear. On average, there was about 45% less decay in the Townsville children than what there was in the Brisbane children. There was a massive difference.
When asked about the topic one of our dentists said this, “I think its great, I am absolutely for the fluoridation of Queensland water. It’s one of the biggest health initiatives of the 20th Century that has been proven to work.” Dr Valentine Dantel of John Street Dental.
In conclusion water fluoridation is an effective, inexpensive and socially equal way to reduce tooth decay in children and adults. So, drink to your health by drinking fluoridated water. Your teeth will thank you.
For more information about fluoride, ask your friendly Dentist at John Street Dental.
You can also book an appointment on-line via the link below or call 3284 4281
