The panorama of the fluoridation of public water supplies in Belém, Pará State, Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Community water fluoridation is a public health strategy to control dental caries and is one of the most
important measures ever implemented. Since the mid-twentieth century, fluoride has been used in water supplies, and
several studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in controlling caries. Given this scenario, it is observed that when an
interruption of fluoridation occurs or when fluoride levels are below the intake recommendations, benefits may be lost,
and the prevalence of caries increases. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the fluoridation situation in Belém, Pará State, focusing on
the aspects of fluoride ion, the consolidation of water fluoridation in Brasil and worldwide, and the monitoring of fluoride
levels. METHODS: Reports generated by the Department of Public Health of Pará, containing fluoride levels from 2005 to
2006, and documents exchanged between the Faculty of Dentistry at Universidade Federal do Pará and the water treatment
company of Belém. RESULTS: The data showed that fluoridation in the municipality was not being adequately performed
during the years studied, and it was interrupted in 2010, which caused a significant increase in the DMFT index at that
time. CONCLUSION: The urgency of reactivating fluoridation by the water company is undeniable and efficient monitoring
of the fluoride levels supplied to the population through fluoridated water.