[Fluoridation of drinking water, why is it needed?].
BACKGROUND
Dental caries is a widespread disease. It causes irreversible damage, pain and considerable expense. Fluoride is the only known substance that raises the tooth's resistance to acid attack. Natural drinking waters contain fluoride at different concentration. The most effective method of fluoride administration to the community level is by adjustng the fluoride concentration in the drinking water to about 1 part per million.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the mode of action of fluoride, methods of administration and to describe water fluoridation, advantages and disadvantages.


RESULTS
Fluoridation of drinking water started in 1945 in the world and in 1981 in Israel. Today more then 300 million people in some 60 countries enjoy the defending effect of fluoride in drinking water. This is the most effective method for decreasing incidence of caries, as well as being cost effective. Over the years there were many attempts to 'blame' fluoridation with negative side effects to human health. Till today, none of the allegations passed scientific scrutiny.


CONCLUSIONS
There is overwhelming scientific support for the Regulations that oblige the Water supplier to adjust fluoride levels to 1 ppm in every town or municipality with more then 5,000 inhabitants.
Zusman
S P
SP
Division of Dental Health, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem.
Natapov
L
L
Ramon
T
T
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005457:Fluoridation; D005459:Fluorides / Q000032:analysis / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides