Mostly known for its beautiful beaches and the full-of-wondrous-architecture Opera House, the region of Sydney is also recognized for the imperative public health initiative that goes on in there for: water fluoridation, and this blog will be introducing you exactly how this affects your mouth. It’s always important to be aware of what’s being consumed in your own region and how it directly affects your oral health.
Fluoridation is the process of adjusting the fluoride level in public water supplies to the level deemed helpful in reducing tooth decay. The recommended level as suggested by dental health experts is around 0.7 parts per million (ppm). Water fluoridation in Sydney began in the 1960s and has since been a significant aspect of public health policy.
The main advantage of toothpaste with fluoride is that it helps to prevent dental cavities. A natural mineral, fluoride strengthens teeth’s enamel, which allow teeth to be more durable against the bacteria acid attacks inside the mouth which results in a cavity. Cities that are fortunate enough to have access to fluoridated water supplies are proven to have less dental cavities thanks to water fluoridation. In Sydney, since this public health measure has been here for a while, it has greatly improved oral health of all age groups.
While there have been some safety concerns raised about fluoridation, major health organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Australian Dental Association support its safety and effectiveness. In Sydney, water providers regularly check the fluoride levels in water to ensure they are within set limits and fluoride is delivered at a safe and effective level.
Children benefit the most with the use of fluoridated water because they are developing their permanent teeth. With the use, the tooth will form better and stronger. The use of fluoridated water also serve as a continuous form of protection from cavities. Adults also can benefit from the use of fluoridated water because it helps to re mineralizes and hardens tooth enamel and this can help keep tooth decay from happening.
What also builds the case for fluoride in the drinking water is studies conducted in Sydney which has been fluoridated for over 30 years and other fluoridated cities all showed a clear decline in dental problems, studies of children’s teeth in Sydney compared to those brought up in non-fluoridated cities in New South Wales clearly showed a low rate of tooth decay in Sydney kids. This is good evidence of the efficiency of fluoride in the drinking water in the form of a preventive health policy.
Several myths have surrounded fluoridation, such as that it causes health problems, is a form of forced medication, or that people in western Europe do not have the same levels of tooth decay despite not drinking fluoridated water. None of the claims are backed by solid evidence. Rigorous studies and reviews conducted of the water fluoridation process have repeatedly shown it to be a safe and effective way to reduce tooth decay for communities served by a community water system.
Dentists are integral in Sydney in educating the public on the benefits of fluoride, advising on other sources of fluoride such as toothpaste or mouth rinse and how the public can maintain their dental health.
If you ever wanted more enlightenment on dental hygiene and water fluoridation, or just wanted a reason to visit your local Sydney dentist, now is your opportunity to shine! You are more than welcome to turn to us at any time to find out more, or you can arrange an appointment with your neighbourhood Sydney dentist!