Fluoride is often added to drinking water in order to prevent tooth decay
Fluoride in water has the following advantages:
- Fluoride alters the structure of the enamel of young children so that it is more resistant to acid attack
- Encourages remineralisation
- Reduces ability of plaque bacteria to form acid
Some people object to fluoridation for the following reasons:
- High levels of fluoride can cause dental fluorosis
- Fluorine has been linked to bone disease and pain
- Some people argue fluoridation may be unnecessary because most toothpastes contain fluorine
- Some people believe drinking water should be as natural as possible
- Some believe it is unethical to take away people's choice as to whether they consume fluorine in their water or not