The Truth
About Fluoride

According to Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, "Fluoride is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health over a lifetime, for both children and adults."

Fluoride works by absorbing into tooth enamel to make the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay before the problem is even visible. Since it began being incorporated into city water supplies in the 1950s, fluoride has been credited with reducing tooth decay by 20 to 40 percent.

Is fluoride really safe?

Time and again, this wonderful mineral has been proved to be completely safe for adults and children. The American Dental Association fully endorses the fluoridation of community water and recommends the use of fluoride-containing toothpastes and other products. There are, however, specific guidelines for its use by very young children. For information on those guidelines, go to "Is Fluoride Really Safe for My Child?"

Is all water fluoridated?

Fluoride occurs naturally in all water including oceans, lakes and underground sources. Nevertheless, not all drinking water contains the recommended level of fluoride for cavity prevention. That's why most American cities fluoridate their water supplies. You can check the fluoride levels of your water by contacting your local, county or state health departments.

If you get your water from a private well, you may not be getting an adequate amount of fluoride. Or you may be getting too much, a situation that could lead to fluorosis, an unsightly discoloring of the teeth. To find out what your fluoride level is, have your well water tested by your local or state health department.

If you do not have an optimal level of fluoride in your drinking water, and you and your children have a tendency toward tooth decay, we may recommend topical fluoride treatments or systemic fluoride supplements that come in the form of tablets, drops or lozenges.

If you would like more information about fluoride, call 936-756-3611 or send us an e-mail. To schedule an appointment, go to Make An Appointment now.

Source: American Dental Association (www.ada.org)