Water is by far the best possible beverage for the human body—and you’ve probably been told throughout your entire life that staying hydrated is important for feeling well and staying fit. But did you know that fluoride can be added to water to make it even more beneficial for you by bolstering your oral health? Here’s more from your dentist about fluoride and a few reasons it’s often added to water for the sake of your pearly whites.
What Is Fluoride?
To put it simply, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s present in all sorts of foods, beverages, and water supplies—and it also has several notable uses in dentistry, all of which are geared towards strengthening teeth and reducing the likelihood of decay and cavities. Every day, your enamel gains and loses minerals; fluoride works to counteract this demineralization, keeping your teeth strong! Today, it’s estimated that over 35% of the world’s population has access to fluoridated water.
Four Reasons Fluoride Is Added to Water Supplies
Here are four key reasons that fluoride is often added to local water supplies:
#1: It Prevents Cavities & Tooth Decay
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named water fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century since it’s so effective at preventing cavities and tooth decay. In fact, studies show that fluoride in community water systems prevents at least 25% of tooth decay in adults and children alike.
#2: It’s Completely Safe
Some of the most reliable scientific research over the last several decades has consistently shown that fluoridation is safe and effective. It’s been endorsed by numerous health organizations and officials worldwide, and there are virtually no public health risks to the practice.
#3: It’s Cost-Effective
The average lifetime cost per person to fluoridate a water supply is substantially less than just the cost of a single dental filling—meaning that it’s a very cost-effective way to prevent cavities and tooth decay! For most municipalities, every dollar invested in water fluoridation saves almost $40 in dental treatment costs!
#4: It’s Natural
Fluoride isn’t some weird concoction developed in a laboratory; it’s naturally present in groundwaters and oceans. Not to mention, a substantial amount of fluoride isn’t added to the water, either; rather, the recommended level for preventing tooth decay is. It’s very similar to fortifying salt with iodine, milk with vitamin D, or orange juice with calcium.
About the Practice
Our team here at Pinnacle Dental is excited to provide patients and families in the Braintree, MA community with an exceptional level of dental care. Our practice is fortunate to be led by the talented Dr. James Zonghetti, who received his DMD from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and is a proud member of several professional organizations, including both the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule a checkup for you or a loved one, feel free to contact us online or over the phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (781) 412-1412.