Fluoridated Water Benefits People Of All Ages

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You might save money on dental treatment costs by simply turning on your tap and drinking water with optimal levels of fluoride—no matter what your age.

Researchers at the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis studied patients of all ages who were members of a dental health maintenance organization and had access to dental care through their insurance coverage. Some patients lived in communities with an optimally fluoridated public water system; others did not.

Scientists found that patients with access to fluoridated water had fewer dental restorations and lower dental care costs during the five-year study period—and older adults benefited the most.

"Much of the focus of research on community water fluoridation has been on children," said Dr. Gerardo Maupomé, the lead author of the study. "There has been significantly less research on adults and even less on older adults. Individuals are keeping their teeth through adulthood into their older years. We need to study dental health through all decades of life."

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 67% of the U.S. population that receives water from a public water supply now drinks water with optimal fluoride levels for preventing decay.

Dr. Maupomé noted that although the study examined patients with dental insurance, many older adults, who are often retired, don't have dental insurance and need to protect their oral health.

"Community water fluoridation is a sound public health investment for people of all ages," he added.

To learn if your water is fluoridated, contact your local water supplier or the local/county/state health department. Additionally, many states participate in the CDC’s "My Water’s Fluoride" which lists fluoridation status by water system.

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Study Links Avocados To Oral Cancer Prevention

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Can you eat your way to better oral health?

Researchers at Ohio State University have found that nutrients taken from avocados can attack some oral cancer cells and prevent other pre-cancerous cells from developing into actual cancers of the mouth.

According to the researchers, previous research has found an association between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and reduced risk for various types of cancers. This effect is attributed to the high levels of phytonutrients and phytochemicals found in dark colored fruits and vegetables.

Focusing on the Hass avocado -the most readily available variety of avocado- the OSU researchers found that phytochemicals extracted from the bumpy-skinned fruit can target multiple signaling pathways and increase the amount of reactive oxygen within pre-cancerous oral cells, leading to cell death. However, the same chemicals have no negative effect on healthy, normal cells.

"As far as we know, this is the first study of avocados and oral cancer," said lead author Steven M. D'Ambrosio, a member of the molecular carcinogenesis and chemoprevention program at OSU’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. "We think these phytochemicals either stop the growth of pre-cancerous cells in the body or they kill the pre-cancerous cells without affecting normal cells."

"Our study focuses on oral cancer," Dr. D'Ambrosio added, "but the findings might have implications for other types of cancer. These are preliminary findings, and more research is needed."

In addition to their possible oral cancer preventive effects, avocados are full of other beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants including vitamin C, folate, vitamin E, fiber and unsaturated fats.

Nevertheless, this blogger still hates guacamole. Yech!

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