Final answer:
Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting fluoride levels in water to prevent tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acid attacks and inhibiting bacterial metabolism. Over 210 million people in the U.S. have access to fluoridated water, reducing tooth decay by 25% in children and adults. The main compounds of fluoride used in dental products include sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, and sodium monofluorophosphate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Community Water Fluoridation and Dental Health
Application of topical fluoride is a duty permitted by regulations and guidelines to promote oral health. Community water fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in water to achieve the best protection against tooth decay. Fluoride is significant in preventing dental caries (cavities) due to its ability to react with hydroxyapatite in teeth to form a less soluble and more acid-resistant material called fluorapatite. In the United States, over 210 million people benefit from optimally fluoridated water, which helps to reduce tooth decay by about 25% in both children and adults. The antimicrobial properties of fluoride also play a role in oral health, as fluoride can inhibit the metabolism of plaque-forming bacteria and reduce the acidity that causes tooth decay. However, it's important to note that excessive levels of fluoride can lead to conditions like dental and skeletal fluorosis.
On the chemical side, fluoride's role in everyday life extends to being the primary active ingredient in toothpaste, contributing to the formation of dental enamel and bones. Different compounds like sodium fluoride (NaF), stannous fluoride (SnF₂), and sodium monofluorophosphate (Na₂PO₃F) are commonly used in various dental products.