Strong and Beautiful

               One of the largest debates in the realm of human health is the controversy surrounding community water fluoridation and its systemic effects. There are numerous arguments opposing the addition of fluoride to drinking water, based on its seemingly negative impact on various aspects of physiological health. The idea that fluoride exposure has a correlation to a decrease in IQ has been researched and debated extensively. Similarly, the effect of fluoride intake on parts of the body, such as the thyroid and pineal glands, is a common component in the dispute on water fluoridation. Widespread and concerning, fluorosis is a massive factor in the discussion on fluoride health and safety. Dental fluorosis is a frequent topic that oral health professionals are privy to, as well as the positive impact that community water fluoridation has on the incidence of dental caries. Overall, the discourse on fluoride is of utmost importance, and it is...

        Not only is proper nutrition essential to overall physiological wellness, it also plays an imperative role in oral health. The wellbeing of both an individual’s dentition as well as their periodontium and oral soft tissues are reliant on the adequate intake of both macro- and micro-nutrients. Just as proper nourishment maintains an optimal oral cavity, deficient nutrition is often made evident in the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Frequent oral exams can thus be conveniently utilized to diagnose specific vitamin and macronutrient deficiencies thanks to the signs and symptoms that present themselves in the mouth. Along with inadequate nutrient consumption, increased acid intake and trends in diet which result in an unhealthy BMI can also take a significant toll on the oral cavity. Just as the bodily systems depend heavily on appropriate management of diet, so do the teeth, bones, and soft tissue of the mouth. Failure to provide sufficient nourishment...