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Fluoridation of water conspiracy theories
Fluoride in drinking water essay
Argumentative Research Essay Water Fluoridation
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Smaller numbers endorse theories involving fluoride
Fact-based Inoculation http://fluoridegate.org/the-film/ For decades now, there have been debates on water fluoridation. This is the addition of fluoride to a public water supply for the purpose of reducing tooth decay and promoting oral health. Fluoride, a compound of the element fluorine and other metals is a mineral that is known to be safe and effective at preventing tooth decay.
“FLUORIDEGATE an American Tragedy” a film by Dr. David Kennedy, alleges that the fluoridation is harmful to the country and especially small children. Dr. Kennedy is the Past President of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. He has a BA in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology from the University
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He makes very strong appeals in the film that may persuade you to actually believe that fluoridation is harmful to your health. However, this debate has been in existence since the 1940’s and various studies conducted have not been able to prove that fluoridation is as harmful as he argues in the film rather a conspiracy theory. Among the said harmful effects of fluoridation include dental fluorosis, cancer, lower mortality rates and negative effects on kidney patients among others.
The anti-fluoridation enthusiasts feel that it’s political and unethical. They argue that it may be harmful to once health and once its added to the public water supply it’s like forced medication through the government. You do not have a choice, it’s in anything you drink or eat or even when you shower. Looking at the history of fluoridation in the U.S., it started in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan where according to CDC there were dramatic declines in dental caries among school children. Since then it has become widely used in the
Thesis Statement: Concerns for water fluoridation stem from the toxicity of fluoride, the dangers fluoride pose to the body, and equal declining tooth decay seen for fluoridated and non-fluoridated countries.
Treatments for periodontal disease are Scaling and root planning, surgical treatment and medications. These procedures are done by periodontist, dentists, or dental hygienist. Scaling and root planning is a deep cleaning to remove bacterial plaque and tartar. Scaling involves scraping tartar from above and under the gum line. Root planning helps gets rid of rough spots on the tooth roots where the germs gather together, and helps remove a bacterium that adds on to the disease. Scaling and root planning for one quadrant is $250 to $400 dollars. Some cases a laser may be used to remove plaque and tartar. This procedure’s out come can result in less bleeding, swelling, and less discomfort compared to usual deep cleaning method.
Few object to the therapeutic use of fluoride to stop tooth decay, but fluoridation, the addition of fluoride to the public water supply, can spark avid controversy. Most dentists, medical groups, and government officials argue that fluoridation is a cheap and risk-free venture that doubles cavity prevention. In contrast, a small minority of dentists and conservative political groups argue that fluoride is a hazardous, poisonous substance that should not be consumed. Some antifluoridationists even claim that fluoridation is an untrustworthy form of socialized medicine. But rather than just attacking fluoridation as socialized medicine, opponents originally claimed that it was a conspiracy to poison or brainwash Americans through the water supply. This theory arose in the 1940s when the scientific community refused to endorse or reject fluoridation, thus allowing the debate to expand into the social sphere. While fluoridation opposition may be subconsciously inspired by naturalism, the social development of fluoridation into a Communist or fascist conspiracy resulted from a conscious effort by conservatives to suppress a growing government.
Dentistry as a profession over the years has evolved rapidly in light of new scientific evidence. Rapidly evolving science and technology have implemented changes within dentistry as evidenced by new standards and guidelines being produced by nationally recognised associations including National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) in Scotland, in provision of new scientific evidence. The latest standards and guidelines produced, endorse everyday clinical practice through evidence based dentistry (REF). All dental professionals as part of continued professional development are expected to keep to date on relevant guidelines and knowledge related to their practice (REF). This is supported by the General Dental Council who state all clinicians must maintain their professional knowledge and competence throughout their working career (REF).
Meyers claims that, “A new study reaffirming a higher rate of birth defects in the area has been handed to a federal agency to investigate whether refineries and chemical plants have played a role.” This is used mainly because the whole purpose of this news article is to find out why this is happening so we can find out what to do about it. The article mainly leans toward the side that the refineries are the main cause of birth defects Meyers mentions certain researchers to let the reader know that it might not be the only cause.
Seventy percent of the US population now receives fluoridated drinking water, an industrial grade level chemical most commonly associated with the prevention of tooth decay, and in Virginia especially, 95.7% of all public water is fluoridated (CDC). I present this numbers to your concern because for something that is almost in all public drinking water, it is not informed to the average Virginia citizen, but that is not the primary issue I am addressing you for. My main matter of concern is that more recent studies performed by scientist in the US and abroad are now finally advocating decade old cautions back then just acknowledged as unsubstantial research or even myths on how rather potentially hazardous the fluoridation of water is for
[5] Axelson, O.. "The epidemiologic evidence of health effects of tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) in human beings." Chemistry, Man and Environment 1 (1999): 29-38.
Healthcare is a necessity to sustain society. Dentistry is an area of healthcare that I feel extremely passionate about because access to proper dental care is limited, especially in the underserved communities. As an African American, I want to become a dentist and healthcare provider in the hopes of helping patients and adding to the diversification of the field. With a growing minority population in the United States, it has become apparent that there is a shortage of black dentists. This is problematic because underrepresented minorities are in great need of access to culturally connected dentists who understand their clinical needs as much as their lives and their challenges. I believe that when the profession includes a range of ethnicities
All water sources, whether fresh or salt, have varying levels of fluoride (Awofeso, 2012). Around 1945 it was discovered that communities with higher rates of naturally occurring fluoride had lower rates of tooth decay (Dean, 1938) which resulted in the addition of artificial fluoride to public water supplies. The incidence of tooth decay fell drastically in fluoridated communities as a result, leading to widespread adoption of public water fluoridation as a public health strategy.
Another preventive way to help children build stronger teeth is water fluoridation prevents 2/3rd of children from them not getting cavities. (Evans par. 6) Fluoridation benefits children and let alone fifty percent of the dental bills were cut in price. (Evans par.6) The future is looking bright for the children getting better dental and oral health services. Approximately 8.7 million children are expected to gain some form of dental benefits by 2018. (Evans par.8) Regular preventive dental care, such as cleaning and regularly brushing and flossing, improve the overall health and brightens up your life. (Wallace par.1) Keeping up on the regular cleaning at the dental office, which is once every six months, helps out tremendously but some people need more then twice a year. (Payne par.5)
Although most of these chemicals pass Federal Food Safety laws, the people who consume processed or packaged foods are more vulnerable to fatal diseases. Scientist have not gathered enough information about the long term impact. This includes the impact on early stages of human development, especially in the womb.
Water Fluoridation is a controversial topic that holds a wide range of views . Fluoride is an element that strengthens the tooth enamel and therefore reduces the risk of caries. Caries is a scientific word for tooth decay, a process involving bacteria in dental plaque metabolising the carbohydrates in the food to produce acid that demineralises the tooth, and eventually leading to cavity formation, which requires complex and quite painful treatment such as fillings and extractions . If tooth decay can be prevented, the cost of NHS dealing with patients would be reduced. At present only certain areas of the UK are fluoridated including parts of the West Midlands, Newcastle and Southampton. This means that only 10% of the population have fluoridated water, but why is that the case? Many people are against the idea of having fluoridated water because fluoride is poisonous to humans and needs to be controlled. However, the optimum levels of fluoride are only 1 part per million of water – low enough not to cause any side effects. The idea of water fluoridation to some people seems like a mass medication for the whole population, and in theory it shouldn’t be carried out in practice, as every individual requires different and personalised treatment to meet their dental needs. Moreover, too much fluoride can cause fluorosis in developing teeth (sometimes called ‘mottled teeth’), which are white stains that appear on
If you have diabetes, you probably know that uncontrolled blood sugar levels can negatively affect various organs in your body, including the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes; however, did you know that inconsistent blood glucose levels can also lead to periodontal disease? Periodontal disease often leads to dental pain which can make chewing difficult. There is also the possibility of tooth loss.
Introduction: In Canada, general dental health is not part Canada’s national system of health insurance (Medicare) (1) except for some dental surgical procedures that are performed at hospitals. Since Oral health does not come under the Health Act about ninety-five percent of the oral health care services are offered on a fee-for-service basis. Oral health care is under provincial or territorial jurisdiction like other health care services and publically financed dental care programs provide the remaining five percent of oral health care services (2). Thus, majority of Canadians receive oral health via privately owned dental clinics. Privately owned dental care gives these services providers control over dental service charges, types of available treatment for the patients and number of follow-up appointment for treatments or routine care. Service users pay for the dental expenses from their own pockets or utilize insurance coverage (1).
Secondly, as described above the overconsumption of fluoride has more side effects then benefits. . Fluoride overconsumption may weaken bones and cause osteoporosis. In the latest issue of Osteoporosis International, researchers report that fluoride consumption from tea and toothpaste damaged one woman's bones. This case describes a 53-year-old British woman with a broken bone in her foot, abnormally dense bones and badly decayed teeth. To prevent bone damage or skeletal fluorosis, in 1986 the Environmental Protection Agency set 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L) as water fluoride's maximum-contaminant-level. In 2006, the National Research Council reported that 4 mg/L is too high to protect health. Yet, some brewed teas contain almost twice that concentration. It can actually be dangerous to consume with resulting health consequences such as neurotoxicity, cancer, and fluorosis among others. Dental fluorosis results in staining and pitting of the teeth with some enamel damage possible at advanced levels. Skeletal fluorosis is a more advanced and serious case of fluorosis and results in pain and impairment of joints, muscles, and tissue. Chronic intake of excessive fluoride can lead to the severe and permanent bone and joint deformations of skeletal fluorosis. Early symptoms include sporadic pain and stiffness of joints: headache, stomach-ache and muscle weakness can also be warning signs. The next stage is osteosclerosis (hardening and calcifying of the bones), and finally the spine, major joints, muscles and nervous system are damaged. The fluoride ion (F-) is extremely reactive and strongly attracted to calcium. (http://www.endocrineweb.com/news /osteoporosis/2851-fluoride-overconsumption-may-weaken-bones-cause-osteoporosis)Its ...