A common thing many of us think about when we it comes to oral care is fluoride. Do you know what fluoride is and how it helps you? With the flow if information we have today, many myths have come out about fluoride. Let’s take a look at what fluoride is and dispel common fluoride myths and facts.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in our food and water. This mineral can aid in increasing bone density and harden the enamel in your teeth. You may be wondering where you can find fluoride in nature. The mineral is usually found in rocks, but as the rocks breakdown, fluoride will be absorbed by ground water or the soil. From the soil, fluoride becomes part of the food we eat. In many parts of the U.S., you may have municipal water supplies that include water enriched with additional fluoride. This addition is meant to help add additional protection for your teeth.
Common Fluoride Myths and Facts:
Have you heard any of these myths about fluoride?
Myth: Added fluoride in the drinking water is the equivalent to forced medication
Truth: Fluoride is already a naturally occurring substance in our food and water. One of the many benefits of fluoride from increasing the levels in the water is that it aids in fighting tooth decay.
Myth: the increased levels of fluoride in our water will prevent tooth decay
Truth: that is partially true. Fluoride in the water will not prevent tooth decay alone. You still need to practice good dental care practices and visit your dentist for your regular cleanings. The added fluoride offers increased protection for your teeth.
Myth: The increased fluoride in the water supply can lead to fluorosis
Truth: While consuming high levels of fluoride can develop a condition known as fluorosis, the levels of fluoride in the US waters supplies are at a low enough quantity that it is extremely unlikely you will be at risk. In extremely rare cases, there have been instances, but they were mild cases.
Myth: Fluoride exposure can be a risk to children’s health or mental wellbeing.
Truth: while it has been shown that high doses of fluoride have led to decreased IQ in children, it has not been a known issue in the United States. Nowhere in the United States is you child at risk from exposure to high levels of fluoride in the drinking environment. If your child has a prescription for fluoride treatment, your dentist will ensure that the fluoride is safe and will not be at risk of other health issue.
Myth: Fluoride causes cancer.
Truth: there are a lot of claims that fluoride can cause cancer or other health problems, but there is no truth to those myths. Fluoride is a harmless mineral that offers a lot of benefits. Myth: Adding fluoride is a waste of money. Truth: Since adding fluoride to water, there has been a decrease in tooth decay. Communities are saving more money in expensive dental treatments than they spend in implementing the fluoride treatment to the water supply.
How Do You Know If You Are Getting The Right Amount Of Fluoride?
The best way to know if you are receiving the right amount of fluoride to best protect your teeth is to work with your dentist. The staff at Shorewood Family Dental Care can review your oral health needs and can determine if you need higher levels of fluoride. They can provide you with options to get the right amount of fluoride, which could include prescription fluoride treatments. If you are in the southwestern Chicagoland area, contact us to schedule your consultation.
