Fluoride is widely used now and has been shown to prevent cavities. One place that your child may get fluoride is in the drinking water. The American Dental Association (ADA) has endorsed fluoridation of community water supplies as safe and effective for preventing tooth decay for more than 40 years. They have dubbed fluoride as “nature’s cavity fighter” because it occurs naturally in places like soil, rocks, and even small amounts in water.
The ADA asserts that water fluoridation is simply “adjusting the natural level of fluoride to a concentration sufficient to protect against tooth decay.”
For more information about dental health, the ADA invites you to visit them online.
America is on the right track. The Centers for Disease Control has acknowledged a decrease in cavities; they report that national surveys have shown that the rate of dental cavities among children aged 12-17 years has been reduced from 90.4% (in 1971-1974) to only 67% (in 1988-1991).
How Does Fluoride Help Control Cavities?
- Slows the breakdown of tooth enamel
- Helps enamel that has begun to breakdown to recover
- Makes the enamel more resistant to the acid produced by bacteria
- Hinders the process by which bacteria use sugars in plaque
- Affects the bacteria’s production of sticky material on teeth
The More Fluoride the Better, Right?
No, too much fluoride causes dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition that, in its mild form, causes a white discoloration of the teeth. Your pediatrician is an excellent resource to determine if your child is receiving the appropriate amount of fluoride.