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Fluoride is
a compound of the element fluorine, which is found universally
throughout nature in water, soil, air and in most foods.
Existing abundantly in living tissue as an ion, fluoride
is absorbed easily into tooth enamel, especially in
children's growing teeth. Once teeth are developed,
fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant
to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in
repairing early decay before the damage is even visible.
"Systemic"
fluoride is ingested when added to public and private
water supplies, soft drinks and teas, and is available
in dietary supplement form. Once systemic fluoride is
absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract, the blood supply
distributes it throughout the entire body. Most fluoride
not excreted is deposited in bones and hard tissues
like teeth.
"Topical" fluoride is
found in products containing strong concentrations
of fluoride to fight tooth decay. These products,
including toothpastes and mouthrinses, are applied
directly to the teeth and are then expectorated or
rinsed from the mouth without swallowing. Dentists
recommend brushing with a fluoride toothpaste at least
twice a day or after every meal, combined with a regimen
of flossing and regular dental checkups.
Professionally-administered topical
fluorides such as gels or varnishes are applied by
the dentist and left on for about four minutes, usually
during a cleaning treatment. For patients with a high
risk of dental caries, the dentist may prescribe a
special gel for daily home use, to be applied with
or without a mouth tray for up to six weeks.
Fluoridated water protects against
cavities and root caries—a progressive erosion
of adult root surfaces caused by gum recession—and
helps remineralize early carious lesions. Thanks to
these preventive benefits, public water fluoridation
is considered the most efficient and cost-effective
dental caries prevention measure available. More than
144 million United States residents in more than 10,000
communities drink fluoridated water, most from public
water supplies with sodium fluoride added artificially.
A small percentage get water from private wells with
naturally fluoridated water.
The Environmental Protection Agency
has determined that the accepted "optimal"
range of fluoride in water lies between 0.7 and 1.2
parts per million (ppm) or mg per liter. The limit
allowed by the EPA in public water is 4 ppm. Backed
by results from more than 140 documented studies undertaken
in 20 different countries over the past several decades,
fluoridated water adhering to these standards has
been scientifically established as safe for drinking.
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 for a lifetime.
In general, the use of fluoride
is considered safe unless it's misused or overconcentrated.
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, mouthrinses
or other topical supplements, check with your dentist
on proper dosage, and be careful not to accidentally
take too much. If you are concerned about the fluoride
levels in your drinking water, call the local public
water department. If the source is a private well,
request a fluoride content analysis taken via a water
sample through your local or county health department.
Children are more 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 on the matter.
Courtesy of
the Academy of General Dentistry (www.agd.org)
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