Health implications and ethical considerations of the fluoridation of drinking water
Keywords:
fluoración, agua potable, salud pública, caries dentalAbstract
Fluoridation of drinking water has been considered an effective strategy for the prevention of dental caries at the population level. This practice has demonstrated benefits in reducing the incidence of caries, especially in communities with limited access to dental services. However, fluoridation has also sparked controversy due to concerns about potential long-term side effects, such as the risk of dental fluorosis and other health impacts. This research aims to analyze the benefits and controversies of water fluoridation, its impact on caries prevention, as well as the arguments against it, related to its adverse effects and ethical issues. A literature review was conducted, exploring the scientific evidence available in PubMed/MEDLINE and SciELO, from several high-impact articles published in the last five years. Water fluoridation strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the incidence of caries, which has made it a key tool in promoting oral health.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Cristian Sebastian Tisalema Quisintuna, Diego Sebastian Salguero Cueva , Jorge Eduardo Orosco Bayancela , Luis Darío Pérez Villalba
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