Doesn water fluoridation just benefit children?
The facts: No. Because of the mainly topical effect of fluoride, people of all ages and backgrounds will benefit. With better dental care, older Queenslanders are now keeping their teeth longer. As we age, many factors can result in less saliva, a condition known as “dry mouth”. The risk of tooth decay increases with dry mouth, particularly on the softer root surfaces. When fluoride is in the mouth, the teeth become much more resistant to decay. Fluoridated water is the safest, most effective, and least expensive way to reduce tooth decay in children and adults. For example, a 2002 New Zealand report on Preventive Dental Strategies for Older Populations noted that “fluoride was the most important preventive measure available against decay for this group.
The facts: No. Because of the mainly topical effect of fluoride, people of all ages and backgrounds will benefit. With better dental care, older Queenslanders are now keeping their teeth longer. As we age, many factors can result in less saliva, a condition known as “dry mouth”. The risk of tooth decay increases with dry mouth, particularly on the softer root surfaces. When fluoride is in the mouth, the teeth become much more resistant to decay. Fluoridated water is the safest, most effective, and least expensive way to reduce tooth decay in children and adults.
