Stop Tooth Decay in Its’ Tracks May 22, 2013

Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay.

What is a great defense against tooth decay? It may already be in your glass of water: fluoride. Fluoride is a trace element that can be absorbed into tooth enamel. This plays a great part in strengthening the tooth by remineralizing it. By combining with calcium and phosphate in the tooth, it can replace minerals that the acids and bacteria in your diet have removed from the tooth. This cavity- preventing element can be found in most towns’ drinking water. You may be strengthening your teeth every time you drink, cook or add water to anything in your meals.

In the last 65 years, tooth decay has decreased dramatically due to the fluoridation of the municipal water supply. The Center for Disease Control has named fluoridation as one of the Ten Great Public Health Achievements of the 20th Century. However, not all cities fluoridate their water. To see if your town in Oklahoma is fluoridated click here:

In children, there is a chance of too much of a good thing. If too much fluoride is consumed, fluorosis can occur This is a condition that affects children if too much fluoride is absorbed in the developing permanent teeth. Permanent teeth can have faint white spots or if severe, yellow brown discolorations. The amount in public water supplies is well below levels which can cause fluorosis. However, if combined with fluoridated toothpaste that small children swallow instead of spit, it could be a problem. Fluoride toothpaste isn’t recommended until around age 2 and parents should make sure only a small dab of toothpaste is used. Fluorosis only occurs in the teeth still developing under the gums. After the permanent teeth are in, around age 12, fluorosis is no longer a concern.

If you are using formula for your infant, be aware there may already be fluoride in the preparation. The American Dental Association recommends using bottled water with no fluoride to mix with the formula or breast feeding your baby to reduce risk of fluorosis.

So the next time you’re thirsty, head to the sink and keep your teeth healthy and strong.