Health Resources

Medical Articles

Supporters

Flouride and Your Health

What is fluoride, and why is it good for my teeth?

image of a fluoride tankFluoride is a compound of the element fluorine Found naturally in water, soil, air and most foods Absorbed easily into tooth enamel, especially in children's growing teeth Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay What's a "topical" fluoride, and when should I use it? Found in products containing strong concentrations of fluoride to fight tooth decay Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day or after every meal Professionally administered topical fluorides such as gels or varnishes are applied by dentists and left on for about four minutes, usually during a cleaning treatment Patients with a high risk of dental caries may be prescribed a special gel for daily home use

Why is most of the water we drink fluoridated?

Fluoridated water protects against cavities and root caries More than 144 million Americans in more than 10,000 communities drink fluoridated water, most from public water supplies with sodium fluoride added artificially A small percentage gets water from private wells with naturally fluoridated water Water fluoridation is endorsed by nearly every major health and safety-related organization Fluoridation of community water supplies is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and to improve oral health

Can I get too much fluoride?

Fluoride is considered safe unless it's misused or over-concentrated Drinking excessively fluoridated water can cause dental fluorosis, a harmless cosmetic discoloring or mottling of the enamel, visible by chalky white specks and lines or pitted and brown stained enamel on developing teeth Avoid swallowing toothpaste, mouth rinses or other topical supplements

Are children more sensitive to fluoride?

Children are vulnerable to dental fluorosis because their developing teeth are sensitive to higher fluoride levels They are at greater risk if they swallow or use too much toothpaste and fluoride supplements, or regularly drink water containing excessive fluoride levels Monitor your child's intake and use of fluoride, and consult with your family dentist

NEWSback to the top

STAFF