Following a thorough study, researchers have found that water fluoridation is the most environmentally friendly approach to preventive dental care. There are a range of measures that are recommended to combat tooth decay, with water fluoridation commonly used. In an age where all industries are aiming to improve their environmental footprint, these results affirm the usefulness of water fluoridation.
Across all industries, there is a big focus on sustainability and the environmental impact that industry output has. Healthcare is no exception. In dentistry, efforts are being made to improve the environmental footprint.
Therefore, researchers have been searching for ways to improve processes in dentistry, in order to aid the effort against the climate change crisis.
As part of this overall goal, a recent study looked at various preventive measures against tooth decay in dentistry, with the aim of finding which method was the most environmentally friendly. The research produced interesting results.
Background
Tooth decay affects a huge number of people. Tooth decay impacts the healthcare industry due to a very high demand for treatment. But fortunately, there are many preventive measures – including fluoride toothpaste and a fluoride varnish.
However, water fluoridation is another preventive measure that is used in some countries. In fact, water fluoridation is widely regarded as one of the most effective healthcare interventions of the 20th Century [1].
Water fluoridation involves a small concentration of fluoride being added to the public water supply. Fluoride is a crucial ingredient for teeth, and helps to strengthen them. Studies have consistently linked water fluoridation to strong reductions in cavities [2].
Approximately 35% of the world’s population has access to fluoridated water [3]. But it has proven to be a controversial subject. Many countries have outright banned its use, while many others are unable to provide easy access to fluoridated water.
The Research
The research was a collaboration between Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and the University College London, United Kingdom [4]. Subsequently, their work was published in the British Dental Journal [4].
The researchers looked to quantify the environmental impact that water fluoridation of the public water supply has for a 5-year-old child over a one-year period [4]. In the United Kingdom – where the study took place – water fluoridation is rather common.
They intended to compare this to the environmental impact of more traditional approaches like fluoride varnishes and regular toothbrushing programs [4]. This would allow them to see which preventive approach is the best environmentally.
In order to quantify the impact of the three approaches, the research team conducted a “Life Cycle Assessment” [4]. To do so, the researchers carefully measured the combined travel, weight and amounts of all products and processes involved in the three preventive programs mentioned above [4].
Then, the researchers inputted their data into a specialized computer program called OpenLCA [4]. Therefore, this provided the researchers with information, figures and statistics pertaining to environmental outputs of each of the preventive measures.
The results showed that water fluoridation had the lowest environmental impact of all three measures [4]. This was the key finding of the research, and shows that water fluoridation has a strong environmental impact when compared to other methods.
Moreover, the researchers also found that water fluoridation had the best return of investment, which is important for councils and governments to weigh up when deciding on legislation relating to water fluoridation [4]. Therefore, such results are useful.
The researchers concluded that after balancing out clinical effectiveness, environmental sustainability and cost implications – that water fluoridation should be the preventive measure of choice [4].
What this means
This research has showed the potential impact that water fluoridation can have. Not only is it highly effective, but it also has a strong environmental impact as well.
With the world in the midst of a so-called “climate crisis”, such findings could be very important. Water fluoridation seems to present a cost-effective and efficient way for governments to lower their environmental footprint, whilst lessening tooth decay.
But sadly, water fluoridation continues to be a controversial topic. This has resulted in many nations avoiding its use. Yet research results like the above could result in a change of opinion.
This research though does show the benefits of water fluoridation. At the very least, for those who do have access to fluoridated water, they have added protection against tooth decay.
Thinking points…
1) This study is a useful reminder of the benefits that fluoride can bring. Not everyone is in an area where the public water supply is fluoridated. If you don’t have access, remember that it is important to always use a fluoride toothpaste. It is also important to attend regular dental check-ups, as this will provide your dentist with a chance to examine your mouth, and suggest treatment if necessary. Why not book an appointment now?
2) If you do have access to fluoridated water, it is important to not get complacent. Just because you have fluoridated water, this doesn’t replace the need for strong oral hygiene, regular cleaning and flossing, and attending dental appointments. If you haven’t seen your dentist for a while, it is especially important to book a check-up, as any problems can be detected. Importantly, continue to practice excellent oral hygiene!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving oral health.
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Murthy, V. H. (2015). Community Water Fluoridation: One of CDC’s “10 Great Public Health Achievements of the 20th Century”. Public Health Reports. 130 (4): p296-298. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F003335491513000402.
[2] Slade, G. D., Grider, W. B., Maas, W. R., & Sanders, A. E. (2018). Water Fluoridation and Dental Caries in U.S. Children and Adolescents. Journal of Dental Research. 97 (10): p1122-1128. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0022034518774331.
[3] Iheozor-Ejiofor, Z., Worthington, H. V., Walsh T., O’Malley, L., Clarkson, J. E., Macey, R., Alam, R., Tugwell, P., Welch, V., & Glenny, A-M. (2015). Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 18 (6): CD010856. DOI: https:/www.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub2.
[4] Duane, B., Lyne, A., & Ashley, P. (2022). The environmental impact of community caries prevention – part 3: water fluoridation. British Dental Journal. 233: p303-307. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4251-5.
