Are There Risks Associated With the Use of Fluoride?
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Fluoride is perhaps one of the hottest topics debated regarding dental health and hygiene. The root of the debate stems from controversial claims over the years and from a general lack of knowledge about the chemical.
Where flouride comes from
Like most natural compounds, fluoride is present in the soil, water, and even some foods. Although abundant in nature, people also make a synthetic version for strengthening various products.
Synthetic fluoride is an ingredient in drinking water and common dental care products.
How it works
The biggest benefit of fluoride is in the prevention of tooth decay. It does this by having a three-stage process of counteracting common issues.
Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel in children under seven years of age. Since it changes the production process, the enamel develops better acid resistance.
Essentially, fluoride boosts enamel production by creating a more hospitable environment. It also attacks bacteria in the mouth, particularly those found in plaque. It’s what limits the bacteria’s ability to create acid, which attacks the teeth and could lead to decay or other conditions.
Various studies document the positive effects of fluoride, showing a tooth decay prevention rate of 20% to 40%.
Known risks
As there can be some risks involved with the use of fluoride, moderation in use is essential.
One notable side effect is the formation of white streaks on teeth. It’s a phenomenon indicative of exposure to high amounts of fluoride. However, no dental care professionals attribute any health concern as it’s mostly a cosmetic issue.
The good news is that ingesting too much fluoride is nearly impossible. Water fluoridation comes with stringent guidelines. Dental care product manufacturers also have to adhere to strict regulations.
Products that contain fluoride
Quite a few products have fluoride for its explicit role in protecting teeth. Dental flosses, human toothpaste, and fillings may contain a small amount of fluoride. Even drinking water and tap water may contain the mineral.
Who recommends fluoride?
Dental hygiene experts, agencies, and organizations like the CDC and the WHO, recommend using flouride. However, the CDC and the WHO have their own rules and guidelines concerning how much fluoride to use.
The United States actually has stricter standards than the rest of the world. In the long run, avoiding dental products that contain fluoride is not recommended for most adults. For anyone with additional concerns, contacting a dentist is the best way to learn more about the subject.
The benefits extend far beyond improved health and reduced risk of developing cavities at any age. The use of fluoride has historically resulted in savings on costly and painful dental procedures. Tooth decay decreased significantly in the generations that grew up on fluoridated tap water.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
