The Aspects of Oral Health: Fluoridation Essay

Outline

Good oral health implies the achievement of a healthy oral environment whereby the teeth are fully functional and secure. Good oral health is essential for all age groups and must carry on for life. Over the last few decades, the overall quality of oral health has been improving steadily given the increasing practice in most countries to have water fluoridation and the extensive availability of fluoride toothpaste that also combines increased knowledge of maintaining dental hygiene and better nutrition intake. At the same time, people should not become complacent in this regard since there are lifestyle practices that are increasing the risks attached with dental decaying. This paper will examine the different aspects of oral health with special emphasis on fluoridation.

Introduction

Oral health is not limited to the care of the teeth only but entails the healthy upkeep of the mouth by adhering to a healthy oral lifestyle. Maintaining good oral health implies that one must beware of some diseases of the mouth such as bad breath, cold sores, dental abscesses, mouth sores, gum diseases, parotitis, oral thrush, toothaches, teeth grinding, and dental injuries. One must take care of dental hygiene by brushing twice a day and using floss every day to get rid of the plaque that is deposited on the teeth regularly. There is always a strong need to pay attention to the care of the mouth and teeth given the large number of risks associated with lack of dental hygiene. Health surveys have revealed that 25% of five-year-olds and 33% of twelve-year-olds consume sweets and sweet snacks in between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at least three times daily, which proves to be a major reason for dental problems. Additionally, a large percentage of teenagers consume foods that are high in sugar and fat content several times a day which increases the risk to oral hygiene. Moreover, the existence of poor food habits amongst adults and the addiction to smoking and alcohol along with stressful lifestyles take their toll on the oral health of human beings.

Foods and drinks influence

What we eat has a strong influence on oral health. Youngsters require taking high-energy foods and drinks that should not be connected with the repeated intake of soft drinks with high sugar content. This must be adopted as a habit for the entire day since excess sugar intake is the main cause of dental decay. Although sugar gives energy and adds to the calories the energy is never long-lasting. Instead, carbohydrates in the form of potatoes, bread, and cereals give energy that is long-lasting and less harmful to the teeth. It is better to eat fruits and vegetables and foods that are rich in fiber and starch (Truman, 2001).

The role of Fluoride

An essential requirement for oral and dental care is fluoridation. Fluoride is a mineral that is formed naturally in some food items and water. Through the processes of demineralization and remineralization minerals add up, as also are removed daily from the enamel of the teeth. By way of demineralization, minerals are taken away from the enamel of teeth which enables the formation of acids, bacteria, and plaque in the mouth and they further attack the enamel. Conversely, remineralization takes place on the enamel when minerals such as phosphates, calcium, and fluoride are deposited on the enamel as obtained from the consumed water and food. When there is an excess of demineralization as compared to the amount of remineralization, the enamel on the teeth gets damaged which becomes a cause for tooth decay (Sixsmith, 2009).

Fluoride is a mineral that prevents decay of teeth by enabling the teeth to become stronger so that they can resist acidic attacks from the sugar, plaque, and bacteria present in the mouth. Fluoride prevents the early decaying of teeth and amongst young children, it becomes a necessity in developing strong and permanent teeth and prevents them from damage due to acid. It helps a great deal in remineralization and considerably reduces the formation of acid on the teeth of both children and grown-ups. Fluoride can be administered to the teeth by way of toothpaste and mouth wash that contains fluoride. The use of fluoride is essential for children and infants aged between six months and sixteen years since this is the age when basic growth and formation of teeth takes towards permanent teeth for the entire lifetime. Adults too stand to gain from fluoride by way of mouth wash, toothpaste, and fluoride treatment which fight against the decay of teeth and strengthen their development. Moreover, people with dry mouth conditions and gum diseases stand to gain from fluoride treatment by medical practitioners (Williams, 2009).

Fluoride is considered safe when used as per medical directions and can become hazardous if taken excessively. Hence parents are cautioned to keep a check on the use of products that have fluoride and to keep them out of reach of young children. Excessive use of fluoride results in damages on the enamel of the teeth that varies from minor smudges and dots to brownish discoloration that is cosmetically unpleasant. This condition is referred to as fluorosis and mostly occurs with natural fluoride which is found for example in well water. The dentist can remove the stains from fluorosis by using certain medically admissible bleaches and abrasives (Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, 2006).

The extent of fluoride content found in drinking water at home is dependent on the kind of water treatment being used. Distillation by steam removes fluoride content entirely while systems such as reverse osmosis remove between 60% and 95%. But water softening techniques and carbon filters do not usually remove the fluoride content from the water. Certain activated carbon and charcoal filters hold active alumina which can eliminate more than 80% of fluoride content (Lekswat, 2009).

Conclusion

The promotion of oral health is on the top agenda of most countries as also the World Health Organization. Although there have been steady improvements in oral health in most countries, problems continue to plague societies particularly amongst the underprivileged in developed and underdeveloped countries (WHO, 2009). The problems associated with oral care are being tackled effectively but they continue to grow as dietary habits across developing countries change in favor of processed and inorganic food items in addition to the growing consumption of sugar. Insufficient exposure to the use of fluoride adds to the intensity of the problems which calls for the effective use of fluoride for the deterrence of dental complications which eventually hurt the overall health and well-being of people. There is a strong need for integrating programs for the avoidance of oral disease which should be incorporated in community-based and national health care programs based on risk prevalence and fluoride administration programs for the prevention of dental problems (Clarkson, 2000).

References

1. Clarkson John J, & McLoughlin Jacinta, Role of fluoride in oral health promotion, 2000, International Dental Journal (2000) 50, 119–128
2. Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, Fluoride in Drinking Water, 2006, National Academies Press
3. Lekswat Patcharin et al, The Effectiveness of an Oral Health Promotion Program.
4. Sixsmith Jane, Oral Health Promotion.
5. Truman et al, Promoting Oral Health 2001, Web.
6. WHO, Global consultation on oral health through fluoride, 2006.
7. Williams Darren R, Dental Health and Fluoride Treatment, 2009. Web.