Unit 4.Fluoride and Your Teeth
Read and translate the following texts:
Fluoride: How does it Work
Fluoride is a natural element that can be found in many things, like the water we drink and the food we eat. Decades ago, scientists began to notice that children who lived in places where fluoride occurred naturally in the water, had fewer dental cavities.
Fluoride
that is absorbed by your body is used by the cells that build your
teeth to make stronger enamel. Topical fluoride - fluoride that is
applied to the outside of the enamel - makes the crystals that form
enamel more durable. Tooth enamel crystals that have fluoride are
much more resistant to acid. They are less likely to breakdown and
cause the tooth surface to become porous.
If your dentist recommends a fluoride treatment during your next dental visit, you'll be receiving topical protection. The fluoride your dentist puts in your mouth will help make the crystals in your tooth enamel stronger. Always use a toothpaste with fluoride.
Is Fluoride safe ?
Adding chemicals to drinking water can be a good thing. It can insure the safety of the water, preventing many water borne illnesses.
In 1945, fluoride was added to our drinking water supply. The idea was to prevent tooth decay caused by demineralization. The chemical reduces enamel dissolving acids and remineralizes areas that have already been damaged by the acid.
Fluoride in the drinking water can be very beneficial to those who have no access to proper dental care, have problems with cavities or kids with braces. It also may help people with other dental work, such as crowns or bridges.
Tooth decay and gum disease have been tied to other, serious health problems. Preventing it isn't just for cosmetics. Heart disease may have a direct link to dental issues, so taking care of our teeth is important.
That's great, but is fluoride safe? There is a controversy about this additive, and both sides are quoting the same studies. Some scientists consider the element safe and vital to human health. Others say that the amount currently allowed in our water supply is more dangerous than lead.
Both sides do point out some problems fluoride can cause. One is actual damage to the teeth. This damage happens during tooth development, so it only applies to children eight years and younger.
The second problem that can occur is a type of bone loss. This can lead to brittle bone problems in the elderly. They've had years of exposure, both from the water and from toothpaste and mouthwash. However, studies say that the increased risk is only 63 percent.
The question comes up: is this additive safe enough to continue use, or should it be reduced/banned?
With the information available, it seems obvious that we need more in depth studying of all fluoride sources, whether in our water or from the dentists' chair. It has helped reduce tooth decay in many areas. For the moment, the benefits seem to outweigh the risks. The question now should be how much is too much.
Do you know other facts about fluoridation? Is it beneficial for people or, on the contrary, unsafe? Discuss this problem in your group.
Make up sentences according to the models:
Model 1:You’d better have it X-rayed.
-Вам бы лучше сделать рентген.
Model 2:You should have come for a checkup long ago.
- Вам давно следовало прийти на осмотр.
You’d better have your tooth X-rayed
this tooth cut out
your mouth examined regularly
Вам бы лучше вылечить этот зуб сейчас
сделать аппликацию на десны
удалить этот зуб
с) You should have done it beforehand
taken care of your dental health
used a fluoridated toothpaste
been more careful in your eating habits
Fill in the missing remarks. Use expressions from the previous exercise:
Dentist: Sit down, please. What’s wrong?
Patient: …
Dentist: Is there a cavity?
Patient: …
Dentist: Let me have a look at it. When did the ache appear?
Patient: …
Dentist: You’d better have it X-rayed.
Dentist: I’m afraid I’ll have to fill the root canal.
Patient: …
Dentist: Yes, I’ll clean the root canal and put a temporary filling.
Patient: Good morning, doctor.
Dentist: …
Patient: For a couple of days I have been having a pain in my tongue. I fractured one of my teeth. It causes a terrible pain.
Dentist: …