Fluoridation of Water (WJEC GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science)

• Fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride to water 
• The primary reason for doing so is to prevent tooth decay 
  
  • Studies have shown that there is a link between fluoride ions and the level of incidences of tooth decay 
  • This was established by surveying school children of various ages
• Tooth decay occurs when the enamel on the surface of the teeth reacts with acid and dissolves 
  • This is called demineralisation 
• If the acid is neutralised, the minerals will re-enter the enamel
  • This is called remineralisation 
• Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by:
  • Increasing the rate of remineralisation 
  • Reducing the ability of bacteria to form acid
  • Altering the structure of enamel in young children making it resistant to reacting with acid 
• Although there are strong arguments for adding fluoride to drinking water, there are many reasons people believe that we shouldn't
• For example, high levels of fluoride have been associated with fluorosis which results in the formation of white patches on the enamel of the teeth 

Photo by Matthew Ferguson on Wikipedia  

Fluorosis can be observed as white patches 

• High fluoride intake can be toxic and has also been associated with problems such as stomach and bone cancers and infertility 
• Fluoride ions are also found naturally in the water in some areas as well as in the majority of toothpastes so some people believe the addition to water as well is unnecessary
• Some people argue adding fluoride to water is a form of mass medication
  • Mass medication refers to medication being given to everyone regardless of whether or not they need it
  • Some believe this is unethical due, especially as consent has not been given
• Although data on the levels of fluoride ions in the water and tooth decay have been compared for different areas in the UK, we cannot use this as evidence to draw a valid conclusion because other social and economic factors might have an effect 

Summary Table of Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages	Disadvantages
Prevents tooth decay Protects teeth from demineralisation Strengthens tooth enamel	High fluoride levels can be toxic  Can cause fluorosis in children who are exposed to too much fluoride  People have not given consent to fluoride being in drinking water and it is available in toothpaste There have been links between fluoride and stomach cancer / infertility   Seen as a form of mass medication