Flouridation

• Flouridation = addition of small amounts of flouride compounds to drinking water to reduce risk of tooth decay
• Flouride is also present in mouthwash and toothpaste
• Flouride helps reduce risk of young children who are more vulnerable (still developing teeth)
• Questions for survey:

  • How many times do you brush your teeth?
  • How often do you eat sugary foods?
  • Where do you live? (non-flouridated or flouridated area)
  • How often do you visit a dentist?
  • how many fillings do you have?


  Sample should only include present people + lots of different types + independent research (non biased surveyor)
• Reasons for:

  • Reduces the risk of enamel decay and makes teeth stronger
  • Flouride can kill bacteria in the mouth
  • Some peoples' dental hygiene may not be good so flouride may help reduce their risk of tooth decay
• Reasons against:

  • Too high a concentration of the ions is thought to cause tooth decay + discolour teeth
  • Flouride ions may cause brittle bones
  • linked to stomach and bone cancer
  • linked to infertility
  • mass medication - people do not have a choice (ethical issue)