Fluoride and your Oral Health

Did you know that recent studies show that water fluoridation reduces dental caries in permanent teeth by approximately 18 to 40 percent. We all assume that the fluoride we get from the toothpaste and tap water is adequate for our needs.  This is not always the case. To understand this topic better, let’s find out what fluoride is and what role it plays for our oral health.

Fluoride, a nature's cavity fighter, occurs in the earth's crust, in combination with other minerals in rocks and soil. A small amount of fluoride is present naturally in all water sources. Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride to a concentration sufficient to protect against tooth decay. Thanks to community water fluoridation, half of children ages 5 to 17 have never had a cavity in their permanent teeth.

According to the April 2000 Journal of Dental Research, the use of fluoride since 1960 has been the primary factor in saving some $40 billion in oral health care costs in the United States. The annual cost of community water fluoridation is approximately $0.50 per person. The lifetime cost to provide fluoridated water to one person is less than the cost of a single dental filling.

Now let’s take a moment to find out why fluoride is important for everyone including adults?

1. Cavity control: fluoride not only protects your teeth from getting new cavities but it also helps remineralize enamel weakened by early cavity development.
2. Gum disease control and maintenance: fluorides inhibit the bleeding and tender gums caused by plaque bacteria and prevent reinfection after active gum treatment.
3. Sensitivity: Fluorides coat and insulate sensitive teeth effectively that occurs from gum recession and natural wear on teeth.
4. Root surface caries: Fluorides control root surface decay on exposed roots from gum recession.
5. Orthodontic Maintenance: Fluorides help control gingivitis and decalcifications associated most commonly with braces.
6. Side effects from medicines: Many prescription medications can decrease saliva flow and increase patient’s risk of dental infection. Fluorides help protect against decay.
7. Post surgical rinse: Fluorides control bacteria and help tissue heal after surgery.
8. Crown and bridge, implants and dentures maintenance: Fluoride prevents recurring decay around the crowns and bridges, blocks plaque formation around implants and help control bad breath and irritation from dentures.