Fluoridation: meaning, definitions and examples
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fluoridation
[ ˌflʊəraɪˈdeɪʃən ]
water treatment
Fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride to water supplies for the purpose of reducing tooth decay. This practice has been widely implemented in many countries since the mid-20th century. The addition of fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on teeth and can reverse early signs of tooth decay. The controversy surrounding fluoridation often involves debates on its safety and efficacy, as well as ethical concerns regarding mass medication.
Synonyms
dental fluoridation, fluoride treatment, water fluoridation.
Examples of usage
- Fluoridation of drinking water is endorsed by many health organizations.
- The town initiated fluoridation to improve dental health among residents.
- Critics argue against fluoridation, citing potential health risks.
Translations
Translations of the word "fluoridation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fluoretação
🇮🇳 फ्लोराइडेशन
🇩🇪 Fluoridierung
🇮🇩 fluoridasi
🇺🇦 фторування
🇵🇱 fluoryzacja
🇯🇵 フッ化
🇫🇷 fluoration
🇪🇸 fluoración
🇹🇷 floridasyon
🇰🇷 플루오리화
🇸🇦 فلورة
🇨🇿 fluoridace
🇸🇰 fluoridácia
🇨🇳 氟化
🇸🇮 fluoriranje
🇮🇸 flúorun
🇰🇿 фторлау
🇬🇪 ფტორირება
🇦🇿 fluoridləşmə
🇲🇽 fluoración
Etymology
The term 'fluoridation' is derived from 'fluoride', which comes from the Latin word 'fluor', meaning 'to flow'. Fluoride compounds have been recognized for their dental benefits since the early 1900s, when researchers discovered that naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water was associated with lower rates of dental cavities. The practice of adding fluoride to public water supplies began in the United States in the 1940s, specifically in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which became the first city to implement a community-wide fluoridation program. Following the successful results, many other cities adopted similar measures. Over time, fluoridation has become a standard public health intervention aimed at promoting oral health, although it has faced opposition and scrutiny regarding its safety and the ethics of mass medication.