The fluoride debate is back, if it ever left, and this time it comes in the form of salt. Lebanon is the latest area to block mandated fluoridation laws, exposing more of the divide in the health and political community over the benefits and risks associated with mandated fluoridation.

In Lebanon, a law was passed by Parliament in 2011 which decreed that all table salt in the country would have fluoride added. Through an online petition and meetings with Lebanon's Health Minister, Wael Abou Faour, special interest groups argued that fluoridation of the country's table salt would put the public at risk of illnesses associated with excessive fluoride exposure.

As with many municipalities, there seems to be no solid answer on the risk verus benefits of mass fluoridation. Opponents question the health risks of overexposure, while supporters argue for the benefits to community oral health. Most countries chose to add fluoride to the water supply, but in regions such as Lebanon where this is impractical, salt fluoridation is a viable option.

The problem in Lebanon specifically comes down to less than stellar oral hygiene practices among the low income population. Omar Obeid, an American University of Beirut nutritionist, pointed out, "If you are in the public school system, you will notice that 80-90 percent of children don't have a toothbrush at home, so even with fluoridation, decay won't go down, in fact, you may be giving false hope with such a campaign."

As with many of the world's poor populations, Lebanese low income families have very limited access to preventative dental visits and dental insurance. Therefore, proponents of salt fluoridation consider this a stop-gap measure in order to preserve the teeth of the nation. A study on the effects of salt fluoridation in middle school students in Mexico found significant decreases in the number of cavities nine years after the addition of fluoride to salt.

At the end of the day, it comes down to an issue of regulation. Obeid and other anti-fluoridation activists fear that the salt industry will not administer fluoride safely and effectively. The correct amount per measurement of salt is essential in ensuring the safety of the consumer as fluoride becomes toxic in large amounts.

This debate, as always, is far from over.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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