Have you heard that your local community’s drinking water has been treated with fluoride? The added mineral often causes a stir for many as they question whether it’s safe to ingest. You might be on the fence about it yourself, but this isn’t as bad as some make it seem. Here’s how this simple act can actually be quite beneficial for your oral health to keep your smile strong.
Why Is Fluoride Added to Local Water Supplies?
Fluoride being in drinking water isn’t a new thing, but rather has become intentional over time. It wasn’t at first, as a dentist in the 1900s found that a whole town had brown stains on their teeth. After digging into this odd phenomenon, high levels of this mineral were found in their water supply, which led to dental fluorosis.
Although their smiles were discolored, they were fairly strong against decay. This was thanks to fluoride, but dentists began to wonder how people could get this benefit without the aesthetic concerns. Research then found the appropriate levels of this mineral, which were then added to local supplies of water in different cities.
This simple act actually dropped cavities among children by 60%! It has landed fluorinated drinking water as one of the Top 10 Public Health Achievements of the 20th Century by the CDC.
Is It Safe to Drink Fluoride Water?
In short, yes! There have been countless studies that found safe levels of fluoride without causing fluorosis. This then created recommended guidelines that communities should follow to let their populations reap the benefits without any adverse effects.
However, it’s up to local towns and cities to determine the exact concentration, meaning some water supplies may have this mineral added while others may stick to the naturally occurring levels of it.
What If My Community Doesn’t Have Fluoridated Water?
If your local drinking water doesn’t have any fluoride, then thankfully, there are ways you can get it to protect your smile. One way you likely thought of is with toothpaste that has it! You can find these at your local department store. A great way to find a safe and effective product is by looking for the ADA Seal of Acceptance!
You can also talk to your dentist about getting a fluoride treatment. Your provider will place a concentrated gel or varnish on your enamel, giving it the boost it needs to be strong against acid attacks from bacteria in your mouth. That way, your smile stays in great shape.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan Cohen earned his dental degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He has since completed advanced training, allowing him to give the Fruit Cove community the high-quality care they deserve. By coming to Dr. Cohen for preventive visits, you can keep your grin free from worries. If you have any questions about fluoride, schedule an appointment or call his office at (904) 230-2961.