Does Education on Community Water Fluoridation Impact Consumption of Bottled Water?

AbstractSince fluoridation of drinking water prevents Dental Caries, a disease where bacteria dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth, it is imperative communities benefitting from its supply be informed of its existence and take advantage. Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) is the process by which the amount of fluoride is regulated in drinking water to a level recommended for preventing tooth decay. It is cost effective both for families and the US health care system, which over the last decade has seen an almost 40% increase in yearly bottled water consumption. Therefore, it is imperative that community members become more informed of this invaluable system and maximize its benefits. This research aims to explore how perception of water safety and education on CWF could decrease bottled water consumption. It will also analyze existing disparities and the possibility of policy implementation for increased usage. The methodology used for this research was a literature review. Findings indicate that as of 2018, over 13% of Americans do not receive fluoridated water. Additionally, 13% regularly consume bottled water and perception of water safety is the strongest predictor of bottled water consumption. Based on these findings, it is recommended new policies be implemented to increase knowledge on Community Water Fluoridation. Fines and fees can also be applied to bottled water companies whose operations are negatively impacting the environment.</p

Oral Cancer Prevalence, Mortality, and Costs in Medicaid and Commercial Insurance Claims Data

BACKGROUND: This study compared prevalence, incidence, mortality rates, treatment costs, and risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OC/OPC) between two large United States (U.S.) adult cohorts in 2012-2019. METHODS: Medicaid and commercial claims data came from the IBM Watson Health MarketScan Database. Logistic regression analyses estimated incidence and risk factors for OC/OPC. Mortality was calculated by merging deceased individuals' files with those of the existing cancer cohort. Summing costs of outpatient and inpatient services determined costs. RESULTS: Prevalence of OC/OPC in Medicaid enrollees decreased each year (129.8 cases per 100,000 enrollees in 2012 to 88.5 in 2019); commercial enrollees showed a lower, more stable prevalence (64.7 per 100,000 in 2012 and 2019). Incidence trended downward in both cohorts, with higher incidence in the Medicaid (51.4-37.6 cases per 100,000) than the commercial cohort (31.9-31.0 per 100,000). Mortality rates decreased for Medicaid enrollees during 2012-2014 but increased in the commercial cohort. OC/OPC treatment costs were higher for commercial enrollees by $8.6 million during 2016-2019. OC/OPC incidence was higher among adults who were older, male, white, used tobacco or alcohol, or had prior HIV/AIDS diagnosis, and lower among those who had seen a dentist the prior year. CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid enrollees experienced higher OC/OPC incidence, prevalence, and mortality compared with commercially insured adults. Having seen a dentist within the prior year was associated with a lower risk of OC/OPC diagnosis. IMPACT: Expanding Medicaid dental benefits may allow OC/OPC to be diagnosed at earlier stages through regular dental visits