Hereford, a city in Texas, is known as “The Town Without a Toothache.” In 1939, the town’s dentist noticed that Hereford citizens had fewer cavities and encouraged the state to conduct a study. That study found that cavities occurred in Hereford patients half as often as the national average. Soon after it was discovered that Hereford boasted a naturally high fluoride content in the city’s water supply. After more research, communities began adding fluoride to their drinking water to prevent tooth decay, with Grand Rapids, Michigan being the first, starting in 1945.
There have always been some concerns about government fluoridation, but time and time again, the United States has sided in favor of fluoridation legislation. Drs. Tay and Nguyen want to ease any fears you might have about fluoride and that begins with understanding more about this naturally occurring mineral.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Fluoride, when added to your oral care routine, strengthens your teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. It does this in a two different ways:
- Fluoride helps in tooth remineralization. Fluoride interacts with saliva and plague and slows the rate at which cavities develop.
- Children who drink fluoridated water have a build-up of fluoride in their teeth, which makes those teeth extra strong and more protected against the acids that break down teeth’s enamel.
Where Do We Get Fluoride?
Fluoride is an ion of the mineral fluorine. It is added to city water supplies (besides existing naturally in many sources of well water) in order to aid in the remineralization of tooth enamel. Fluoride is also added to many toothpastes and mouthwashes and offered as a treatment at many dental offices.
Is It Safe?
Although there has been some controversy about fluoride since its introduction, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found no convincing scientific evidence of any danger in consuming fluoride in safe amounts. Many communities in the United States have been participating in water fluoridation for seventy years, or more. Fluoride in water is safe for everyone; plants, animals, and even fish!
Fluoride is important to keep your teeth healthy, which of course directly contributes to your overall health. If you have concerns about tooth decay, call Apple Springs Family Dentistry today and make an appointment so we can be sure you (or your child) are getting enough fluoride for optimal oral health.
