Two Cities Halt Fluoride in Water: My Child’s Dental Pain

Aggressive: (n. Aggressivesing) Powerful in initiating discussion, combat, or achieving a successful effort.

Anesthesia: A treatment that induces paralysis or a loss of physical sensations. A doctor can administer anesthesia to a specific area of the body (local anesthesia) or use general anesthesia, causing the patient to temporarily lose consciousness.

Bacteria: (Singular: Bacterium) A single-celled organism that thrives in various environments on Earth, from ocean depths to the interiors of plants and animals. Bacteria constitute one of the three domains of life.

Calcium: A chemical element and alkaline earth metal commonly found in minerals and sea salts in the Earth’s crust. It’s also present in bone and tooth minerals and can influence the movement of certain substances in and out of cells.

Correlation: A relationship or connection between two variables. A positive correlation means an increase in one variable results in an increase in the other (e.g., more TV time correlating with a higher obesity rate). An inverse correlation suggests an increase in one variable leads to a decrease in the other (e.g., increased TV watching may correlate with less exercise). Correlation does not imply causation.

Attenuation: The gradual decomposition of a dead organism by bacteria or other microorganisms (commonly referred to as “rotting”).

Dentistry: (adj.) Pertaining to the study and treatment of teeth.

Diet: (n.) The foods and beverages consumed by an organism that provide essential nutrients for growth and health. This can also refer to a specific eating plan.

Enamel: A durable, shiny substance that covers the surface of teeth.

Ethics: (adj. Ethical) A code governing how individuals should interact with others and their environment. Ethical behavior involves fairness, avoidance of deceit, and prudent use of resources. Additionally, ethical conduct requires alerting others to potential risks, allowing individuals to make informed choices. Professionals in this area are referred to as ethicists.

Element: A component within a specific state or event; a contributor.

Federal Government: Pertaining to the national government as opposed to state or local governments. Agencies like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health are examples of federal bodies in the United States.

Fluoride: Chemical compounds, such as sodium fluoride, that contain fluorine. In small quantities, fluoride can assist in preventing tooth decay.

Genetic: Related to chromosomes, DNA, and the genes contained within DNA. The branch of science that studies these biological blueprints is called genetics, and professionals in this field are known as geneticists.

Inflation: (In economics) The reduction in money’s purchasing power over time (e.g., a loaf of bread that once cost 20 cents may now cost $2.59).

Intervention: Purposeful actions performed to achieve desired results. In medicine, this refers to proactive measures aimed at preventing or treating health-related conditions.

IQ: An abbreviation for intelligence quotient, a numerical representation of a person’s reasoning abilities, calculated by dividing their test score by their age and multiplying by 100.

Mineral: Naturally occurring solid materials forming rocks, like quartz and apatite. Rocks commonly comprise various minerals combined. Minerals are typically stable at room temperature and have specific chemical compositions and crystal structures. (In physiology) Refers to substances the body requires to create and sustain healthy tissues.

Pediatrician: A medical professional specializing in the health of children.

Phosphates: A chemical compound featuring one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms. It is a key component of several minerals, including those in bones and tooth enamel.

Policy: A set of guidelines or agreed-upon rules governing behavior in specific contexts. For instance, a school may establish a policy regarding snow days or student absences.

Politician: An individual who seeks or holds an elected office within a governmental body, with a profession centered around governance and wielding political power.

Population: (In biology) A group of individuals from the same species residing in a specific area.

Recruitment: (noun) The process of enlisting new members into a group or organization. (verb) The act of signing up new individuals, which may occur in context such as the military or research studies.

Residents: Individuals or organisms that inhabit a particular area of a community. (Contrast: Visitor)

Risk: The potential for negative outcomes, such as health hazards (e.g., radiation exposure increasing cancer risk) or inherent dangers (e.g., “Among the cancer risks people faced were radiation exposure and arsenic-contaminated drinking water.”).

Social: (adj.) Relating to interactions among groups of people. It also refers to beings (human or animal) that prefer coexisting in groups. (noun) A gathering of individuals, such as members of clubs or organizations, who come together for social enjoyment.

Toxicology: A scientific field focused on the study of poisons and their effects on health. Professionals in this area are known as toxicologists.