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In nearly every United States community, public drinking supplies are supplemented with sodium fluoride because the practice is acknowledged as safe and effective in fighting cavities. Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is universally found throughout nature in water, soil, air and food. Fluoride is absorbed easily into tooth enamel, especially in children's growing teeth. Once your teeth are developed, fluoride makes the tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization. This aides in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible. Types of Fluoride There are two forms of fluoride that protect the teeth: systemic fluoride and topical fluoride. Systemic fluoride is ingested into the body when added to public and private water supplies, soft drinks and teas, as well as in dietary supplements. Once it is absorbed into the body, the blood supply distributes it throughout the entire body. Fluoride that is not excreted is deposited in bones and hard tissues such as teeth. Topical fluoride, on the other hand, is applied directly to the teeth and is found in products containing strong concentrations to fight tooth decay, such as toothpastes and mouth rinses. These products are used and then rinsed from the mouth without swallowing. Dentists often recommend brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day or after every meal, combined with a proper regimen of flossing and regular dental checkups. Your Drinking Water Fluoridated water protects our teeth against cavities and root caries, which is a progressive erosion of adult root surfaces caused by gum recession. With these preventive benefits, public water fluoridation is considered the most efficient and cost-effective way to prevent cavities available. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), more than 144 million United States residents in more than 10,000 communities drink fluoridated water, mainly from public water supplies with artificially added fluoride. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the accepted optimal range of fluoride in water is between 0.7 and 1.2 parts per million (ppm) with the limit allowed by the EPA in public water being 4 ppm. Fluoridation of community water supplies is the single most effective public-health measure to prevent tooth decay and to improve oral health for a lifetime. Water fluoridation is endorsed by nearly every major health and safety-related organization. Benefits of Fluoride As a naturally occurring compound, fluoride has been proven to effectively reduce the prevalence of dental caries and tooth decay. Over time fluoride makes teeth stronger to help prevent the initiation of dental caries and tooth decay resulting from acid contained in sugars and the breakdown of carbohydrates. Additionally, fluoride re-mineralizes areas of the teeth that have been weakened by acid. Research shows that not only do children benefit from fluoride, but adults do as well. The use of fluoride in toothpastes, mouth rinses and fluoride treatments help to fight decay in people of all ages. If you are drinking water that is fluoridated, then brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste is considered sufficient for most adults with health teeth. Contact your dentist in Brookfield, WI today for more information on fluoride and if you are receiving the right amount to help maintain your oral health. If your water comes from a public water supply, you can find out if it is fluoridated by calling your local water district.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Edward Buchanan, dentist in Brookfield. Dr. Buchanan, Brookfield, WI dentist, and his dental professionals maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education, allowing them to specialize in services such as Lumineers, veneers, and implants.
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