FLUORIDE 19
FINLAND SWEDEN
<1%
DENMARK
Universal access to fluoride for dental health is a part of the basic human right to health.
UK
IRELAND
35% POLAND 69% CZECH
GERMANY
BELGIUM
REP.
SLOVAKIA
<1%
5%
RUSSIA
8%
FRANCE
SERBIA
SPAIN
BULGARIA
AUSTRIA
3% 88%
SWITZERLAND
CYPRUS
MALTA
Fluoridated salt was first used for caries prevention on a community level in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, in 1955.
SOUTH KOREA
ISRAEL
LIB YA
Hong Kong SAR
In some parts of India (and other countries) natural fluoride levels in water are too high, and can cause health problems.
NIGERIA
For every US$1 spent on salt fluoridation, around US$250 are saved in treatment costs.
KIRIBATI
3%
VIETNAM
THAILAND SRI LANKA
FIJI
BRUNEI
MALAYSIA GABON
SINGAPORE
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
TANZANIA
ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE
FICTION Fluoride is a poison and causes damage to teeth and health. FACT Over 60 years of scientific research has confirmed the safety and efficacy of fluoride to prevent caries at the recommended dosage.
AUSTRALIA
In 1945, the first community water fluoridation programme to prevent caries was started in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
applied or prescribed measures such as varnish, gel and tablets. Fluorides prevent caries topically by inhibiting bacterial metabolism (acid production) in dental plaque, inhibiting demineralisation of teeth, enhancing remineralisation (repair) and making the teeth more resistant to future acid challenge. Exposure to higher than recommended levels of fluoride during tooth development (mainly between birth and four years of age) might cause dental fluorosis. This condition is often not noticeable; only the rare and severe forms show brown spots and discolouration of teeth. Older children and adults are not at risk. If applied at recommended levels, fluorides are a safe and effective way of reducing the global burden of dental decay.
NEW ZEALAND
Health Actions • Ask your dentist about the best way for you to benefit from fluoride to prevent caries. • Only use toothpaste that contains fluoride and brush your teeth twice a day. • When available, use fluoridated salt.
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