Facts on Fluoride

For decades, fluoride has been held in high regard by the dental community as an important mineral that is absorbed into and strengthens tooth enamel, and thereby helping to prevent decay of tooth structures.

In nearly every U.S. community, public drinking supplies are supplemented with sodium fluoride because the practice is acknowledged as safe and effective in fighting cavities. Some private wells may contain naturally fluoridated water.

What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a safe compound found throughout nature - from the water we drink and air we breathe, to many kinds of foods.

Why is fluoride important to teeth?
Fluoride is absorbed into structures such as bones and teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to fractures and decay. A process in your body called "re-mineralization" uses fluoride to repair damage caused by decay.

How do I get fluoride?
Just drinking public water will provide a certain measure of fluoride protection. But for years, health professionals have endorsed the practice of supplementing our intake with certain dietary products, and topical fluorides in many toothpastes and some kinds of rinses. Certain beverages such as tea and soda may also contain fluoride. Certain kinds of dental varnishes and gels may also be applied directly to teeth to boost fluoride intake.

Current controversy
The element fluoride has been shown to be beneficial to teeth, however, too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. Little or no fluoride will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion by preschool-aged children can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white to even brown discoloration of the permanent teeth. Two and three year olds may not be able to spit-out fluoride-containing toothpaste when brushing. As a result, these youngsters may ingest an excessive amount of fluoride during tooth brushing. Many children often get more fluoride than their parents realize. It is generally not safe to swallow toothpastes, rinses or other products containing topical fluoride. Certain foods contain high levels of fluoride, especially powdered concentrate infant formula, soy-based infant formula, infant dry cereals, creamed spinach, and infant chicken products. Please read the label or contact the manufacturer. Some beverages also contain high levels of fluoride, especially decaffeinated teas, white grape juices, and juice drinks manufactured in fluoridated cities. Another source of fluoride can be found in soft drinks at fast food restaurants, when blending the syrup and carbonation with the city water supply.

Parents can take the following steps to decrease the risk of fluorosis in their children's teeth:

• Use baby tooth cleanser on the toothbrush of the very young child.
• Place only a pea sized drop of children's toothpaste on the brush when brushing.
• Account for all of the sources of ingested fluoride before requesting fluoride supplements from your child's physician or pediatric dentist.
• Avoid giving any fluoride-containing supplements to infants until they are at least 6 months old.
• Obtain fluoride level test results for your drinking water before giving fluoride supplements to your child (check with local water utilities).