25th Anniversary of Fluoridation

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'Nature thought of it first...'

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, water and plants.
Fluoridation is the adjustment of the natural levels of fluoride in the water supply to the recommended levels required for optimal oral health.
Fluoride is only added to water where the amount of fluoride occurring naturally does not reach the 'optimal level' required to reduce tooth decay. One milligram of fluoride for every litre of water has been shown to provide maximum benefits to the community.
Approximately 75 per cent of Victorian's population have access to drinking water that has either naturally occurring or added fluoride. Most rural areas with problems of access to dental care lack fluoridated water.
Fluoride was introduced into Melbourne metropolitan drinking water in 1977, and is widely considered to be one of Victoria's most beneficial public health initiatives.
Communities with access to fluoridated water for a lifetime will experience up to 50 percent fewer cavities than those without fluoridation. All sectors and age groups within the community benefit from water fluoridation.
Over 100 studies in 20 countries have shown that exposure to fluoridated drinking water is associated with a reduction of between 30-50 per cent in the level of decay experienced.
Thirty years ago the average teenager had 18 teeth that needed fillings. Today, this number has reduced to four or five.
Water fluoridation has been recognised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as 'one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century'.
Water fluoridation is recommended by a number of national and international organisations including the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian Medical Association, the Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian Pharmaceutical Society Vic Branch, the Institute of Health and Welfare, the International Association of Dental Research (Australian & New Zealand Division) and the World Health Organisation.
Because the technology is so simple and efficient, fluoridation is extremely cost effective.
The United States Centers for Disease Control estimates that "each dollar invested in fluoridation prevents $80 of dental treatment. Few disease-prevention efforts achieve that level of return on investment.
Approximately 60 countries and over 360,000,000 people benefit from fluoridated water.
Drinking fluoridated water should be accompanied by brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, avoiding sugary foods, using dental floss daily and having regular dental check-ups.

What makes up 60% of our body weight, works as a moisturiser to improve the skin's appearance, helps eliminate toxins, and contributes to the prevention of tooth decay?

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25th Anniversary of Fluoridation

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