NAME : NI PUTU AYU WERDHIANTY

NIM : 2113081030
MAJOR : Chemistry (RPL)
ASSIGNMENT #1
ENGLISH FOR CHEMISTRY II

Critical Review Article

“Chemical Found in Drinking Water Linked to Tooth Decay in Children”

Dental caries is a complex disease involving many factors beyond

the microbiome, dietary carbohydrates, plaque, brushing/flossing, and
salivary output/buffering capacity/pH. Therefore, it is possible that dental
caries itself is associated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
substances. In this article’s argument, Although manufacturers no longer
use PFAS to make nonstick cookware, carpet, cardboard and other
products, they persist in the environment. R. Constance Wiener and
Christopher Waters are exploring how they affect dental health. Their
findings appear in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry.

The most obvious research of the seven PFAS that Wiener and
Waters analyzed, perfluorodecanoic acid was the one that correlated with
higher levels of tooth decay. In his research, it is the first study, to the
authors’ knowledge of the relationship of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
substances and dental caries experience in young children. Of the seven
examined substances, only perfluorodecanoic acid was associated with
dental caries experience in unadjusted and unadjusted logistic regression
analyses.

Based on R. Wiener and Waters Journal, approximately one-third of

the children, ages 3–11 years (n=639), had serological specimens
analyzed for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the NHANES
2013–2014. Of the 14 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
analyzed 7 were used in this study as the others had sample sizes. Other
available variables known to be associated with dental caries were also
included in this study. These were: age (≥3to≤5 years, >5to≤11 years);
sex; race/ethnicity; tooth brushing frequency; dental visit; insurance
status; ratio of family income to poverty level guidelines, and fluoride in
the child’s water. Body mass index for children was also included.

There are some problems however, with popular article’s argument.

One of these concerns children with higher concentrations of a certain
chemical in their blood are more likely to get cavities. Related to this
problem of bias in her study are the limits of its scope. I think the article
reported by getting news support from a according the research. It found
some different occurs to original journal. In argument’s article say
"Perfluorodecanoic acid, in particular, has a long molecular structure and
strong chemical bonds; therefore, it remains in the environment longer. As
a result, it is more likely to have negative health consequences such as
dental caries”. However, when it comes to cavities, scientists haven't
parsed perfluorodecanoic acid's mechanism of action yet.

In original research perfluorodecanoic acid may have several

pathways to influence tooth growth and development. Though tooth
growth and development have not been specifically studied with
perfluorodecanoic acid, its effects on other cells may be similar to its
effects on tooth growth and development. It activates peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptor alpha and initiates oxidative stress in the
metabolism of lipids, glucose, and amino acids. It promotes cell
proliferation through a hypothesized change in gene expression in the
vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway for gastric cells.

In summary, while popular article at least the extract I read is an

interesting news about healthy dentistry aspect, this article does not
completely depart from the background, there are several points that are
appropriate but there are some detailed information that is not
appropriate. This is probably aimed at attracting exposure so that the
news headlines are made as attractive as possible. I had in writing this
review, without tracing the actual journals we don't know how the actual
research methods and results are.

Word Counts : 553

Refference :
1. West Virginia University. "Chemical found in drinking water linked
to tooth decay in children." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 February
2020.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200206144852.htm>.

2. R. Constance Wiener, Christopher

Waters. Perfluoroalkyls/polyfluoroalkyl substances and dental caries
experience in children, ages 3–11 years, National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2014. Journal of Public Health
Dentistry, 2019; 79 (4): 307 DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12329