Fluoride for Your Dental Health
The Benefits of Fluoride in Moderation
Most people know that for years dentists have been recommending fluoride as something which helps prevent cavities. It is found in just about every toothpaste, many mouth rinses, over-the-counter and prescription gels—and close to 70% of Americans have it in their drinking water. Practically every dental professional credits fluoride for drastically reducing levels of dental decay over the last few decades.
Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in water and soil. About 70 years ago, scientists discovered that people who lived where water supplies naturally had more fluoride also had fewer cavities. Today, most public drinking water supplies are fluoridated, especially in larger cities, and dental professionals applaud its usage.
Can there be too much of a good thing?
A recent government study found that two in five adolescents had some sort of streaking or spotting in their teeth because of too much fluoride, a number that has grown considerably since the 1980s.
For most people, these streaks or spots are totally harmless and barely visible to the naked eye, although in severe cases the tooth enamel can actually develop a pit-like surface. So even though fluoride still does a fantastic job in cavity prevention, as with most things in medicine, there are side effects.
The good news is—as a result of this study the federal government has acted very rapidly to change its recommendation for the amount of fluoride in drinking water, making it 0.7 milligrams per liter of water, down from the 50-year standard of up to 1.2 milligrams.
We applaud the government’s quick action! And we still want to help you avoid cavities as much as possible. “One of water fluoridation’s biggest advantages is that it benefits all residents of a community—at home, work, school or play. And fluoridation’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in improved oral health” said Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Dr. Howard Koh.
So keep brushing, flossing, rinsing and drinking fluoridated water. It’s also important to continue to see us for your regular dental visits. We will be glad to check your teeth to see if we can find any negative effects from fluoride and look for cavities too! As with any dental condition, the sooner we find it, the easier and less costly it is to treat. Total Care Dental is dedicated to keeping you smiling!
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call our Madison dental professionals any time at 608-274-1911.
