Water fluoridation: time to reexamine the issue.
Water fluoridation was instituted as a public health measure more than 50 years ago to help limit dental caries. However, with the advent of fluoridated dentifrices, fluoridated infant formulas, and commercially prepared beverages with fluoridated water, the incidence of dental fluorosis is increasing. Health care professionals need to understand the history of water fluoridation, examine the benefits and complications of fluoride, and, if need be, take an informed political stance on an issue that is affecting large numbers among our pediatric population.
Simko
L C
LC
Duquesne University School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005457:Fluoridation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005458:Fluoride Poisoning / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D011634:Public Health; D014481:United States