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Dental Health News

Fluoride & Tooth Decay - Fluoride Helps Prevent Tooth Decay

Fluoride…

…is a mineral naturally occurring in almost all foods and water supplies.

…is also a natural component of tooth enamel and bone.

…helps teeth become more resistant to decay by strengthening tooth enamel.

…added to our water supplies is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.

…may even be useful in reducing the harmful effects of plaque, that sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and causes decay.

…comes from the element fluorine, the 13th most common element in the earth's crust.

There are numerous benefits of fluoride.

TRUE! Fluoride, when added to community water supplies, is the single most effective public health measure we have to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health for a lifetime. Also, products containing fluoride stop the growth of newly formed cavities AND can prevent formation of cavities on the roots of teeth.

Fluoride is available from a number of sources.

TRUE! All water contains some fluoride naturally, in amounts greater or lesser than that needed to contribute to oral health benefits. Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride to the concentration necessary for protection against tooth decay. Another way to receive fluoride is by using oral care products such as toothpastes, mouthrinses, and gels. In fact, 90 percent of toothpastes and many mouthrinses contain fluoride. Both systemic fluoride (fluoride that comes from eating foods and drinking liquids) and topical fluoride (fluoride that is applied to the surfaces of the teeth) work together to keep teeth strong.

Fluoride is all that's needed to prevent tooth decay.

FALSE! While it is true that fluoride is instrumental in preventing tooth decay, fluoride alone cannot prevent dental disease. To help, the ADA recommends brushing twice a day, flossing daily and eating well-balanced meals. Regular dental check-ups also are recommended.

Dental fluorosis is not a serious dental problem.

TRUE! Dental fluorosis is generally a mild condition unnoticeable to most people. It is characterized by lacy white lines or specks in the teeth and is not harmful tot he patient's health.

All bottled water contains the adequate amount of fluoride needed to prevent tooth decay.

FALSE! All water contains some fluoride naturally. However, unless the fluoride content is printed on the label, don't assume bottled water contains adequate fluoride to prevent tooth decay. It may be necessary to contact the manufacturer to obtain this information.

Our Mission Statement • Dental Health News