Not Sure About Fluoridated Water?

Around 60 years ago, cavities and tooth decay were common problems. Thankfully, numerous advances in the field of dentistry have changed things. The use of fluoride has been proven to reduce cavities and help repair very early stages of tooth decay.

When it was discovered how dramatically just a small amount of fluoride could change a person’s smile for the better, communities across the country began supplementing water supplies with the nutrient. It is important to understand that fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in all water sources, including the ocean. As it works with the hydrogen and oxygen found in drinking water, fluoride is effective in preventing and reversing the early signs of tooth decay. It acts by making the tooth structure stronger, which makes the teeth more resistant to the harmful effects from the acids that are found in many foods, including soft drinks, candy, and fruit. When those acids are not removed, they join forces with the bacteria in plaque and weaken dental enamel.

Fluoride acts to repair those teeth that are in danger of decay. It does this through a process called “remineralization” which can stop the decay process in its tracks! Fluoride also performs as a shield or armour by creating a surface on the teeth that makes them resistant to decay.  Of course, using fluoridated toothpaste is effective. However, the combination of fluoridated toothpaste and drinking water is even better!
If you are not sure about your community’s drinking water and the level of fluoride it contains, there are ways to find out. The best bet is to contact the local utilities department or your county health department. This information may also be found online.

The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a website with a map of the U.S. that provides water quality reports. Access it here: http://water.epa.gov/drink/local/

Another helpful site is the Centers for Disease Control’s “My Water’s Fluoride”-see it here: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MWF/Index.asp

For those who drink well water, a certified laboratory should test it periodically. Contact your local or state health department for information about where you can have a water sample tested.

If you find out that your water supply is not fluoridated-don’t worry! There are still ways to get the right amount of fluoride for adequate protection. Your dental professional or health care provider should be able to prescribe fluoride supplements in the form of drops, lozenges, or tablets. They are especially geared towards youngsters between the ages of six months to 16 years who do not have access to fluoridated water. This age group is at higher risk for developing tooth decay. Please note that the American Dental Association has stated, “It is important to note that fluoridated water may be consumed from sources other than the home water supply, such as the workplace, school and/or day care, bottled water, filtered water and from processed beverages and foods prepared with fluoridated water. For this reason, dietary fluoride supplements should be prescribed by carefully following the recommended dosage.”

Is Fluoride Harmful to My Health?

Last year, new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prompted many Americans to question the health benefits of fluoride. Despite raising a few eyebrows, the research did not uncover anything that would link significant health risks to fluoride.

It seems the CDC concluded that 2 out of 5 adolescents developed streaks or spottiness on their teeth, caused by ingesting too much fluoride. In rare, extreme cases, some young teens even experienced pitting on their tooth surface, but these cases were so mild that they were only detectable by a dentist. This most likely occurred not from routine dental procedures, but by ingesting fluoride from other sources - namely, drinking water. Most water supplies in the U.S. are fluoridated, which means they are purposefully treated with fluoride.

Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is found universally throughout nature. You won't just find it in water; it's also in soil, air and in most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into the tooth enamel, especially in children's growing teeth. Once the child's teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes re-mineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is visible.

While ingesting too much of anything can cause adverse reactions, it is extremely rare to experience any health issues related to fluoride. Dental fluorosis is the most common affliction associated with excessive fluoride intake (note the keyword here is EXCESSIVE). Dental fluorosis is characterized by mottled, chalky white or brown appearance on the teeth.

It has been theorized that, over many years, too much fluoride can lead to other health problems, but many of these reports are unfounded. The highly reputable organizations in our country such as the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry continue to recommend fluoride, especially for children.

If you take it upon yourself to research this topic, make sure you are careful about where you get your information. Your best resource is to ask Dr. Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry.  Give us a call today to learn more or to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548

News Sources:

MSN Healthy Living - A Little Fluoride Goes a Long Way
CBS News- Fluoride is Good For You, We Mean Bad for You

Related Post:

Does Bottled Water Contain Fluoride?

Does Bottled Water Contain Fluoride?

For many people, bottled water is a staple of their daily diet. While bottled water is favored by many due to its lack of impurities and fresh taste, it may lack fluoride - an important mineral for your teeth.

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the Earth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), drinking water with fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. In fact, in the 1930s, researchers discovered that people who grew up drinking naturally fluoridated water had up to two-thirds fewer cavities than people living in areas without fluoridated water.

While brushing with a fluoride toothpaste or rinsing with a fluoride mouth wash can help, water can be an even greater source. Unfortunately, if you drink bottled water or use a home water filter, you could be missing out on the health benefits of this mineral.

While some people prefer bottled water simply for the taste, others drink bottled water because they live in an area where tap water may be contaminated or unsafe to consume. Either way, if you choose to drink bottled water, you should try to find the kind that contains fluoride. If you're not sure, check the label. If you have or are thinking of installing a home water filter, check out the ADA site for a list of water filters that do not remove fluoride from tap water.

Dr.Melcher with Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC provides dental resources in this blog and on his website (see: Dental Treatments, Raleigh NC for information and videos about dental treatments).  Contact Dr.Melcher to schedule an appointment for your next cleaning or dental treatment in Raleigh: 919-782-0548.