Monthly Archives: April 2020

Association between Children’s IQ & Fluoride

It is known that an optimal level of fluoride in water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. The content of Fluoride in water, however, has an impact on a Child’s IQ. 

Quoting an article from the “American Academy of Pediatrics”

Women living in areas with fluoridated tap water had higher mean urinary fluoride levels than those living in areas without fluoridated tap water (0.69 vs 0.40 milligram per liter, or a difference of about 0.30 mg/L). Adjusted results showed that a full 1 milligram per liter increase in maternal urinary fluoride was associated with a 4.5-point lower Performance IQ score in boys. There was no statistically significant association for girls. In the group for which self-reported fluoride intake from all sources was estimated, each additional milligram of daily fluoride intake was linked to a 3.7-point lower IQ score in boys and girls.

The above finding prompted some questions around Fluoride intake during pregnancy. 

Should pregnant women drink fluoridated water?

The answer is YES.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which focuses on the significance of good oral well being during pregnancy, recommends that women use fluoridated toothpaste.

The American Dental Association remains committed to the idea of fluoridation of public water supplies as an effective public health measure to help prevent tooth decay.

The report also stated there was a possible need for some women to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy.

What to conclude from this study?

Fluoridation continues to play an important role in safely preventing dental disease when used within its recommended levels.  Dental disease is widespread, causing millions of lost hours of school each year. Children who experience tooth decay are more likely to have pain that makes it hard for them to eat, sleep, and learn in school. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride’s cavity protection wherever they live, work and play.

The connection between Oral Health and Stroke

What is a Stroke? 

To understand the association between stroke and oral health, one should initially understand what a stroke is and who is at a higher danger of having one. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. Somebody who is encountering a stroke could show some of these physical indications:

• Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

Investigations have discovered that patients who have had a stroke mostly had poor oral hygiene practices. 

Understanding Gum Disease

Statistics show that nearly half of the adult population in America is affected by Gum Diseases! Gum disease is preventable and is created from the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. Gum disease has multiple stages and can many times be slowed with proper treatment.

The best way to avoid gum disease is to keep up with good oral health care practices and following your dentist’s recommendations such as brushing twice a day, using floss and mouthwash daily, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups.

Gum Disease and Stroke

There is a significant connection between gum disease and stroke. Gum illness is caused by microscopic organisms in the mouth. These organisms can get in the circulatory system, causing the blood to clot, leading to a stroke.

Gum disease has also been connected to medical conditions such as diabetes, malignant growths, and even Alzheimer’s.

Since numerous Americans are affected by both gum disease and stroke, it’s essential to understand the reasons for it and proactively find ways to control it. Patients who have suffered a stroke may need support in maintaining good oral health care, especially if they have cognitive or physical limitations which prevent them from remembering to complete or performing the tasks properly.

By taking preventive measures against gum disease with good oral care habits, you are also lowering your risk for stroke and several other diseases.