The addition of a fluoride compound to a public water supply for the purpose of reducing tooth decay is known as water fluoridation. This practice has been introduced in many countries, such as Brazil, Australia, the U.S., and Vietnam. Our country is not the exception. According to the Oral Health Department of the Chilean Ministry of Health, 70.5% of the Chilean population has been receiving fluoridated water. Nowadays, there is a controversial environment surrounding this topic. Many dental organizations support water fluoridation; however, some others reject this practice whenever it is proposed.
The controversy came up from ethical, moral, political, and safety concerns. Opponents all over the world argue that this practice:
• It is a form of obligatory mass medication. The consent of all people cannot be reached, and water supplies cannot control the amount of fluoride that every single person receives. In UK, the Green Party considers water fluoridation as a violation of Article 35 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, which it is about Health care.
• It can cause dental fluorosis. Scientific evidence proves that water fluoridation can alter the tooth development on children; however, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council posits that this effect is just cosmetic and it doesn’t represent any risk for people’s health.
Although all the statements against it, water fluoridation is widely used. So, Should we be against, or for this practice? Is it really necessary?
Wow I had no idea about this. Authorities should have told people about this. I cannot say for sure whether water fluoridation is bad for our health or not since scientific community hasn't come to an agreement. But what I can say is that authorities should tell people about the pros and cons about this and people should decide whether to use it or not. It cannot be a decision made by government because they are not the owners of our bodies.
ReplyDeleteThat water has certain flour components is not a secret, and maybe drinking fluoridated water is not that bad. I mean, there are several things that authorities do without our concerning or opinion, and in this case they are doing it “for our welfare”. I would like, at least this time, give them a chance and truly believe that they do not pretend any harm on us.
ReplyDeleteI have a crazy and very personal opinion about this topic. I believe that governments are adding these chemicals in order to keep us ill. I know it sounds crazy, but why if "this practice is really expensive and can have impacts on the economy of the countries" would governments do it? It is well known that they always try to save money. I can support my crazy theory with this question: have you ever read the warning present in the toothpaste tubes? "Do not swallow. Do not let children under the age of 6 swallow. If more than a pea size amount is swallowed, get medial treatment, or call a Poison Control Center. Weird, ah?
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