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Fluoride And Fluoridation


Fluorine is an essential trace element and as fluoride it is a natural constituent of all water and some foods. However, the amounts found from "natural" sources are often not sufficient to help develop decay-resistant teeth and strong bones.

Fluoridation is an adjustment of fluoride levels in the water supply to a level of 0.7 to 1.2 parts of fluoride per million parts (ppm) of water.


Fluoride ingested in water that has been fluoridated is completely safe. Fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 50 to 70 percent, depending on how soon after birth one uses fluoridated water on a daily basis.

Fluoride's effectiveness is ongoing as long as an individual continues to receive fluoridated water. There are substitutes for fluoridation in the form of fluoride drops, and fluoride tablets. Toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride and dental treatments with topical fluoride solutions help to potentiate the benefits of fluoridation. But none of the substitutes are as effective as fluoridation, and all are more expensive.

In addition to greatly reducing tooth decay, fluoridated water helps decrease the prevalence and severity of osteoporosis, a common disease of aging.

By the mid-1950s, the results of decade-long controlled studies of water-supply fluoridation had established beyond a doubt both the effectiveness and the safety of fluoridation in reducing tooth decay. The practice was - and continues to be - endorsed by the American Medical Association, American Dental Association, the U.S. Public Health Service, and the National Research Council.

Only fluoride taken internally, whether in drinking water or dietary supplements, can strengthen babies' and children's developing teeth to resist decay. Once the teeth have erupted, they are beyond the help of ingested fluoride.

For both children and adults, fluoride applied to the surface of the teeth can nonetheless add protection, at least to the outer layer of enamel, and it has unquestionably played a role in reducing decay. T

The most familiar form, of course, is fluoride-containing toothpaste, introduced in the early 1960s. Fluoride rinses are also available, as are applications by dental professionals. All these products are regulated by the FDA. They are considered effective adjuncts to ingested fluoride - and they are the only useful sources of tooth-strengthening fluoride for teenagers and adults.


What is the fluoride concentration of our community's water supply?

Is this supply adequate to prevent tooth decay?

What are the benefits of increased use of fluoride?

Is additional fluoride needed? How is it obtained?

Should fluoride supplements be taken?

Would fluoride rinses be helpful?

Do you recommend topical applications of fluoride?