Community water fluoridation exposure and lifetime dental caries risk
Although the rate of dental caries among children has declined, the burden among adults across the world continues to be high. As a result, the World Health Organization has urged for the greater implementation of community water fluoridation.
In an open access study published in the Journal of Dental Research, investigators used epidemiologic, demographic and sociologic data, as well as decayed, missing and filled teeth and tooth surface indices, to compare the oral health outcomes of adults residing in either the Republic of Ireland, which has had access to community water fluoridation for more than 65 years, or Northern Ireland, which has not started the practice.
Compared with those who resided in Northern Ireland, the investigators found that the adult participants who resided in the Republic of Ireland had a lower likelihood of experiencing dental caries and about an 11% to 16% lower risk of decayed, missing and filled teeth and tooth surface indices, respectively. Notably, approximal followed by smooth and occlusal surfaces showed the most prominent differences between the teeth.
The results of the study added to evidence indicating that lifetime exposure to community water fluoridation is effective in preventing dental caries in adults. The investigators hope their findings can encourage public health policies in favor of implementing community water fluoridation.
Read more: Journal of Dental Research
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