An Ode to Fluoride
When we think of special events in the month of February, Valentine’s Day always tops the list. February also happens to be National Children’s Dental Health Month, which is a month-long national health observance promoted by the American Dental Association. It brings together dental health professionals in an effort to promote great oral health habits in children. As an orthodontist who treats both children and adults, I am constantly emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy mouth and educating my patients on proper oral hygiene measures.
This year’s slogan from the ADA for National Children’s Dental Health Month is "Fluoride in water prevents cavities! Get it from the tap!” Years of scientific research have proven that community water fluoridation is an effective, safe, and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay.
But what exactly is fluoride, and how does it help our teeth? Let’s explore some important facts about fluoride and water fluoridation and their importance relative to oral health:
•Fluorine, from which fluoride is derived, is the 13th most abundant element and is released into the environment naturally in both water and air.
•Community water fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to adjust the natural fluoride concentration of a community's water supply to the level recommended for optimal dental health, approximately .7mg/L.
•Fluoride works by stopping or even reversing the tooth decay process. It keeps the tooth enamel strong and resistant to cavities by preventing the loss of (and enhancing the re- attachment of) important minerals from the tooth enamel.
•Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first US city to fluoridate its public water supply in 1945.
•Fluoridation benefits Americans of all members of a community, regardless of age, education, or income.
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•Scientists internationally have studied the safety and benefits of fluoridated water for a century and have not found consistent and convincing evidence to link water fluoridation with any potential unwanted health effect other than dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is a change in the appearance of tooth enamel (typically as white spots) and can occur when children younger than age 8 regularly ingest too much fluoride while their permanent teeth are still developing.
•Community water fluoridation is recommended by nearly all public health, medical, and dental organizations.
•Because of its contribution to the large decline in cavities in the United States since the 1960s, the CDC named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
As an orthodontist I am especially supportive of drinking fluoridated water as well as the use of fluoridated dental products, since teeth are more susceptible to dental cavities during orthodontic treatment. Fluoride’s protection against tooth decay works at all ages. Remember: numerous research studies have proven the safety and benefits of fluoridated water. For more than 70 years people in the United States have been drinking water with added fluoride and as a result experiencing the benefits of better dental health!
To book a consultation call 305-423-4130