The introduction of fluoride in public health water supply is a subject of intensive discussions. Still, it is a clear outcome of its undeniable effect in reducing oral health problems throughout the country. The objective of this paper is to shed light on the main ethical and practical issues connected to water fluoridation by stressing the fact that great public health benefits prevail regardless of the potential risks. The incorporation of fluoride into drinking water is an essential health service that plays the role of a primary factor in the maintenance of dental hygiene among people of all age groups, and that, therefore, is vital to the general public’s well-being.
Ethical and Physical Benefits of Fluoride
The principle of beneficence in public health ethics requires public health interventions, which, in addition to other ethical considerations, are of significance in bringing positive health effects. The research observes that of all the public health measures, the fluoridation of water represents the most effective one at curbing the common dental disease, cavities (Grohe & Mittler, 2021). This conservation alone of dental integrity can result in lesser pain, fewer dental infections, and the least number of restorative dental procedures involving the equipped populations above all. Water fluoridation belongs to the universal group of treatment methods, which targets nearly all people equally, ignoring the status of health literacy or other belongings (Zokaie & Pollick, 2021). This coincides with the discretionary principles that rank activities based on the optimum amount of the good for the largest number of people.
Economic Analysis of Fluoridation Benefits
In the economic context, the benefits of fluoridation are enormous. Through the reduction of dental cavities, which requires only preventative dentistry and lower medical bills, fluoridation tremendously lessens the need for costly dental treatments and other healthcare costs (Lowery & Bunn, 2021). Dental care services might not be covered under public health programs in countries such as Canada, so the solution to this problem, which might be very expensive, is fluoridation (Canada, 2020). The economics of fluoridation grow stronger as one moves along and begins to see the broader significance of the costs to public health budgets. Although some critics of these measures assert that the costs associated with the treatment of dental fluorosis might cancel out the initial benefits, in reality, the number of cases of these conditions is quite limited in addition to being relatively mild, therefore, not resulting in cancellation of benefits, given the existence of extensive cost savings from the prevention of other dental procedures.
Addressing the Opposition and Autonomy Concerns
Critics of the practice of fluoridation argue that the move is an attack on individualism as well as the potential of certain health risks like fluorosis or pollution (Solanki et al., 2022). Nonetheless, the same ethical basis that justifies the mandatory vaccination programs and the fortification of foods will, in turn, explain the benefit of fluoridation programs. Therefore, the fluoridation of drinking water permits not only every segment of society to have access to fluoride but also the most vulnerable, who may need help to afford other sources of fluoride to get its advantages. This strategy conforms to Canadian society’s principles that try to establish policies that apply common interests above other private preferences. Additionally, the health dangers related to fluorosis are mainly of an esthetic nature and can be controlled by confining fluoride levels within limits considered safe.
Call to Action
It is equally important to carry on the conversation about fluoridation and to include different views in the mixture of participants. Policy-making must be not only driven by the privilege but also by the groups facing the problems. Strictly speaking, we need to be on guard as far as ethical decision-making in public health, which will juxtapose the risks, benefits, and individual rights while striving for the good of society. The multitude of health advantages of fluoridation are not just presented in this thorough explanation, but rather more attention to the ethical, economic, and liberty-related issues is also used, resulting in a more comprehensive argument for the promotion of fluoridating public water supplies.
Conclusion
The fluoridation of drinking water is one of the ethical public health policies that are justified by the noticeably high level of benefits it brings. In support of fluoridation, the Canadian Dental Association reinstates its dedication to fostering community health in a way that also considers the economic consequences and ethical components of serving reduced communities with healthcare provision facilities. Such routines minimize not only detrimental effects on the oral health of individuals but also ensure better oral health in the community in the future.
References
Canada, G. of C. I. S. (2020, January 20). Dental Benefits Guide for First Nations and Inuit: Non-Insured Health Benefits program. Www.sac-Isc.gc.ca. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1579538771806/1579538804799
Grohe, B., & Mittler, S. (2021). Advanced non-fluoride approaches to dental enamel remineralization: The next level in enamel repair management. Biomaterials and Biosystems, 4, 100029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbiosy.2021.100029
Lowery, G., & Bunn, S. (2021). Water fluoridation and dental health. Post.parliament.uk. https://post.parliament.uk/water-fluoridation-and-dental-health/
Solanki, Y. S., Agarwal, M., Gupta, A. B., Gupta, S., & Shukla, P. (2022). Fluoride occurrences, health problems, detection, and remediation methods for drinking water: A comprehensive review. Science of the Total Environment, p. 807, 150601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150601
Zokaie, T., & Pollick, H. (2021). Community water fluoridation and the integrity of equitable public health infrastructure. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.12480
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