Progress toward achieving the 1990 objectives for the nation for fluoridation and dental health

Article Abstract:

A summary is presented of progress toward six goals of the 1990 Health Objectives for the Nation for fluoridation and dental health, as formulated by the Public Health Service in 1980. These include: a decrease in the proportion of nine-year-olds who have had cavities in their permanent teeth by 60 percent; decreased prevalence of gingivitis (gum inflammation) and destructive periodontal disease (disease of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth) to 20 and 21 percent, respectively; increased awareness of at least 95 percent of school children and their parents of the risk factors for dental disease; awareness on the part of at least 75 percent of adults of the need for good oral hygiene and regular professional dental care; availability of optimally fluoridated water for at least 95 percent of the population; and proficiency by at least 65 percent of school children in oral hygiene. Two of the objectives, reduction of cavities in nine-year-olds, and increased awareness among adults of oral hygiene and professional dental care, have been met. The goal concerning fluoridation of water will not be met; presently, five states have water systems that provide only a small proportion of their residents with optimally fluoridated water. Reduction of gingivitis and destructive periodontal disease has been accomplished, but not as extensively as hoped. In addition, the goal of children and their parents identifying dental disease risk factors is not likely to be attained; and no data currently exist regarding whether school children are proficient in oral hygiene. Cavities are a particular problem for Native American youth, rural children, and children whose parents were not educated beyond high school. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

United States, Reports, Dental care, Oral hygiene, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Fluoridation of community water systems

Article Abstract:

The effectiveness of fluoridated water in reducing tooth decay was first discovered in communities with a naturally-fluoridated water source. Studies of four communities in which fluoride was deliberately added to the water confirmed this effect. By 1989, residents of 70% of the cities with populations greater than 100,000 were receiving fluoridated water, and the incidence of tooth decay is still declining. The per capita cost of fluoridating water ranges from 12 cents to 75 cents a year. Every dollar spent on fluoridating water could reduce our dental bills by $80. One goal of Healthy People 2000 is to provide fluoridated water to an additional 30 million US residents. The Public Health Service has recommended further studies to determine the possible adverse effects of water fluoridation.

Planning, United States. Public Health Service

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Achievements in Public Health, 1900-1999: Fluoridation of Drinking Water to Prevent Dental Caries

Article Abstract:

Fluoridation of community water supplies is the major cause of the decline in the incidence of tooth decay during the second half of the 20th century. The link between fluoride and tooth decay was discovered when doctors noticed that children with fluorosis were less likely to have cavities. Fluorosis is discoloration of teeth caused by high fluoride levels in drinking water. Community water fluoridation led to a drop of 50% to 70% in the incidence of cavities since the 1940s. Opponents of water fluoridation believe it is responsible for various diseases, but this has never been conclusively proven.

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