Water Fluoridation Argumentative Essay

Water fluoridation was introduced into the United Sates in the 1950s. It is still a topic discussed and debated today, specifically what the actual benefits are, and whether or not it is safe and effective. Fluoride should not be added to public water because of the risk of over exposure, medical issues that are cause by that over exposure, and the lack of benefits it is shown to have. Fluoride should not be added to water because of the high risk of over exposure. Water fluoridation is the process of adding the chemical fluoride to public water. Its sole reason for being introduced into the water system was to prevent tooth decay, and to promote strong healthy teeth by strengthening the enamel. Because fluoride is put into the public water supply, everyone has access to it regardless of age, gender, or financial status. However, once the fluoride is added to the water and the public has access to it, the government cannot monitor the supply and each
In fact, in other countries, like Canada, Cuba, and Germany where water fluoridation was stopped, tooth decay has not risen, but has actually gone down. Not only has it been shown to decrease even without water fluoridation, rates of tooth decay were declining even before it was introduced, showing that there is no correlation between fluoridated water and decaying teeth. Since the 1980s water fluoridation has been credited for the decline in cavities, but more accurately that credit should be given to an improved dental health care system, and healthier eating habits. The benefits to teeth from fluoride are topical, meaning for teeth to gain any actual benefit from fluoride it only needs to sit on the top, surface of the teeth, it does not need to be ingested for the teeth to receive any benefit from it, is any exist. Very few studies have been conducted to support the reasoning for water fluoridation in the first