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Show Fluorides - Prevent Tooth Decay This is the 'ist in a series of six articles on dental health published by the Iron County Record, in cooperation with the Southern Utah Dental Society in observance of National Children's Dental Health Week, February 1-7. I have seen newspaper articles recently which say that tooth decay will soon be completely eliminated as a disease problem. Is this really true? It is likely that tooth decay will not be totally eliminated, at least in the forseeable future. However, it can be prevented in large part even today if you take advantage of proven public health measures, professional treatment, and complete home care. One of the well-established and most effective decay preventives is fluoridation of public water supplies. Today, more than 100 million people in this nation drink fluoridated water. Many communities have had fluoridated water supplies for more than 20 years. The experience in these communities has demonstrated that fluoridation reduces the incidence of decay in children by as much as 65 percent. Its benefits are lifelong. Fluorides are being used in 'other ways to prevent decay, especially for people in communities com-munities that do not have fluroidation. Chewable fluoride tablets can be beneficial if they are taken every day throughout the entire time teeth are being formed (at least until age 12-14). The , American Dental Association recommends the use of fluoride dentifrices, particularly par-ticularly for children, Additionally, Ad-ditionally, fluoride can be applied ap-plied directly on children's teeth at periodic intervals. And many school districts provide fluoridated water for school children. None of these alternate uses of fluoride is as effective as fluoridation of community water supplies, however. Scientists are studying a new plastic material which is applied to tooth surfaces to seal the pits and fissures in teeth to provide protection against tooth decay. The pits and fissures are especially prone to decay. Studies of the sealant have shown that it appears to form a barrier between the tooth surface sur-face and decay-causing bacterial which are always present in the mouth. Preliminary investigations in-vestigations indicate that the sealant may withstand chewing forces in the mouth for as long as a year, Because the sealant protects only the chewing surfaces of teeth, we must still rely on fluoridation to protect the remainder of the exposed tooth enamel. Scientists are studying other methods of preventing decay, including trying to isolate the specific bacteria which unite with foods and. other debris in the mouth to form decay-causing acids. Even today it is possible to reduce decay significantly if you drink fluoridated water, practice good oral hygiene at home, and see your dentist for regular checkups. |
