The effect of water fluoridation on dental health in India

Abstract

This paper examines how fluoridation can prevent the occurrence of dental cavities. There is an overall increase in caries which is becoming a major health issue all over the world. Awareness for dental health is quite low in several parts of India. Besides brushing and rinsing the mouth one is not much concerned for caring for one's teeth. Modern techniques of consuming bottled water and from types of filters used for purifying water removes most of the fluoride and is thus one aspect for leading to caries in most children and adults. Moreover usage of non-fluoride toothpaste in several regions of India is also a cause for concern. This epidemiological study attempts to identify why so many children as well as adults suffer from dental caries, which seems to have no cure. India is a diverse land and this study explores the possible reasons for deteriorating oral health which could also be due to heavy concentration of fluoride in some areas due to climatic variations and soil conditions. This study attempts to add to the body of research in the area of caries and ill health. In light of changing living conditions and dietary habits, the incidence of dental caries will increase in many low income countries, can this be controlled is what this study will highlight'