Fluoride is a natural element found in rocks and soils and is found in low concentrations of fluoride in most waters. Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay by resisting acid attacks. This helps to slow down or stop the erosion process.
When the level of fluoride in the water is at its highest level, it helps to protect the teeth from cavities. This is why many community water systems add extra fluoride – a process known as “fluoridation“.
If your child drinks less bottled water than the optimal amount of fluoride, the risk of tooth decay increases. And if you use good water or water from a private source, your dentist may recommend checking fluoride levels to determine if a supplement is needed after reviewing the risk of cavities in your teeth.
Benefits of Fluoride in Water
Prevents tooth decay
Fluoride in water is one of the most effective ways to prevent childhood diseases – tooth decay. An estimated 51 million school hours and 144 million working hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Community water fluoridation is so effective in preventing tooth decay that disease control and prevention centers have named it one of the 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.
Protects all ages from cavities
Studies show that fluoride in community water systems prevents at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults, even in an era where there is the widespread availability of fluoride from other sources such as fluoride toothpaste.
Safe and effective
For 70 years, the best available scientific evidence consistently indicates that community water fluoridation is safe and effective. It has been endorsed by many U.S. Surgeon Generals, and more than 100 health organizations recognize the health benefits of water fluoridation to prevent dental decay, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, the American Dental Association, and Pediatrics. American Academy.
Saves money
The average lifetime cost per person to fluoridate a water supply is less than the cost of one dental fill.
It’s natural
Fluoride is naturally present in groundwater and oceans. Water fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride to the recommended level to prevent tooth decay. It is similar to fortifying other foods and beverages, such as fortifying salt with iodine, milk with vitamin D, orange juice with calcium, and bread with folic acid.
FAQ
What does fluorine do in water?
For children younger than age 8, fluoride helps strengthen the adult (permanent) teeth that are developing under the gums. For adults, drinking water with fluoride supports tooth enamel, keeping teeth strong and healthy. The health benefits of fluoride include having: Fewer cavities.
Is fluorine essential for life?
Fluoride is considered a semi-essential element for humans: not necessary to sustain life, but contributing (within narrow limits of daily intake) to dental health and bone strength.
Is fluorine added to drinking water?
Water fluoridation is the controlled adjustment of fluoride to a public water supply solely to reduce tooth decay. Fluoridated water contains fluoride at a level that is effective for preventing cavities; this can occur naturally or by adding fluoride.
