Question

Concerned about the lack of water fluoridation, a local dental hygienist initiates a community education project to educate residents about the advantages of water fluoridation. The project includes several presentations beginning with a meeting of the local dental and dental hygiene societies to provide an overview of current information. The focus of this initial presentation will be mottled enamel as well as strategies to prevent this form of dental fluorosis. Subsequent presentations will address community leaders, non-profit philanthropic organizations, and community coalitions. Within a few weeks of the first presentations a group of citizens begins writing letters to the local newspaper about the dangers of fluoridation with specific emphasis on toxicity from "overfluoridation."

During the presentation, the dental hygienist emphasizes the value of water fluoridation as the most significant contribution of dentistry to public health. All of the following reasons support this statement EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
a) Reducing dental caries
b) Enhancing tooth whitening
c) Cost-effectiveness
d) Safety and efficacy

Answer 1

The value of water fluoridation in preventing tooth decay can be seen through its reduction in dental caries, cost-effectiveness, and safety and efficacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dental hygienist emphasizes the value of water fluoridation as the most significant contribution of dentistry to public health for several reasons. Firstly, water fluoridation helps in reducing dental caries, or tooth decay, by 25% in both children and adults. Fluoride, the main active ingredient in toothpaste and added to tap water, helps in remineralization and strengthening of tooth enamel, making it more resistant to corrosive acids produced by oral microbes. Secondly, water fluoridation is cost-effective compared to other fluoride-containing products, such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. Finally, water fluoridation has been proven to be safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.