According to researchers, water fluoridation has a lower environmental impact than other preventive methods for tooth decay. The study’s findings also strengthen the case for water fluoridation programmes to reduce dental decay, especially among the most vulnerable populations.
One of the twentieth century’s most significant public health interventions Water fluoridation is a century-old practise. However, as the climate crisis worsens, the role of healthcare and disease prevention in the problem must be investigated. Immediate action is required. Researchers calculated the environmental impact of water fluoridation on a single five-year-old child over a one-year period, influenced by this urgency. They compared it to the traditional use of fluoride varnish and tooth brushing programmes in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
More than 35% of world’s population access to fluoridated water
Today, more than 35% of the world’s population has access to fluoridated water, and studies show significant reductions in tooth decay. While statistics on water fluoridation’s clinical effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses are available, there is currently no evidence of its environmental impact.
To assess the impact, the research team performed a Life Cycle Assessment (CA), meticulously calculating the total travel, weight, and quantity of all items and activities involved in all three preventative programmes (toothbrushing, fluoride varnish programmes, and water fluoridation). Data were entered into a specific environmental application (OpenLCA), and the team used the Ecoinvent database to
calculate environmental outputs such as carbon footprint, water requirement for each product, and land use.
Water fluoridation had lowest environmental impact
Water fluoridation had the lowest environmental impact in all categories studied and the lowest disability-adjusted life years impact when compared to all other community-level caries prevention programmes, according to the study’s findings, which were led by Brett Duane, Associate Professor in Dental Public Health at Trinity College. The study also found that water fluoridation has the highest return on investment.
Because of the balance of clinical effectiveness, financial effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, researchers believe that water fluoridation should be the preventative intervention of choice.
This study adds to the international case for water fluoridation programmes to minimise dental decay, particularly among the most vulnerable people. Duane, Associate Professor, stated, “As the climate problem worsens, we must find strategies to avoid disease in order to lessen the environmental impact of our health-care systems.” This study clearly shows that water fluoridation has a low carbon footprint as an effective preventative technique.” Professor Paul Ashley, Senior Clinical Lecturer (Honorary NHS Consultant) at the University College London Eastman Dental Institute, added: “There should be renewed efforts to promote access to this intervention.”
