With the widespread information that is constantly circling the internet, it can be difficult to determine what is true and what is not. That is certainly the case when it comes to fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral that is found in our food and water. It has many health benefits and is widely known to strengthen and protect teeth from decay. Here are four common myths about the mineral and the truth behind each one.
Four Myths About Fluoride
Myth #1: It is bad for children.
Fluoride is a very safe, beneficial mineral when consumed as intended. In fact, it has been proven that, when children drink fluoridated water, they are more likely to have strong teeth as adults! It is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and more.
Fortunately, fluoride is naturally present in water. Just as we add vitamin D to milk and iodine to table salt, we can add fluoride to water. This slight increase is a great way to achieve healthy teeth and save on costly medical bills.
Myth #2: Fluoride in our toothpaste and water can lead to fluorosis.
The overconsumption of this mineral can lead to fluorosis, a condition that causes faint, white specks on the teeth. However, the amount of fluoride we consume through our water and toothpaste shows a very low likelihood that fluorosis will occur. In the rare instances that it does occur, the condition is often very mild. It’s safe to say that the benefits of the mineral outweigh the slight possibility of fluorosis.
Myth #3: Fluoridation is expensive
A common belief about the mineral is that it is costly to add to your water. In truth, fluoridation is actually the most cost-efficient way to prevent tooth decay and ensure the health of our communities. A study found that every one dollar used for fluoridation saves 38 dollars in dental costs, making fluoridation a great way to keep teeth healthy and costly bills at bay.
Myth #4: You don’t need fluoridated water if you use fluoridated toothpaste.
According to the CDC, the fluoride in our toothpaste does not provide enough support for a healthy smile. Instead, we should have fluoride in our toothpaste and in our water. This way, you have ample support for strong teeth.
In Conclusion
As you can see, this beneficial mineral ensures that our teeth stay as healthy as possible. To keep costly dental issues at bay, purchase toothpaste with fluoride and schedule biannual visits with your dentist. If you’re ready to book an appointment, give us a call at 407.834.0330.
Reach out to Maitland Ave Smile Co. today to learn more about the importance of fluoride and book an appointment!
Check out our Dental Blog to read about topics like restorative dentistry, wisdom teeth, and teeth whitening.