What comes to mind when you hear the word “fluoride?” Most likely, you probably think of toothpaste or mouthwash, since this important mineral is such a key ingredient of most dental products. You may also think about fluoride treatments from your dentist to help protect your teeth. However, did you know that you probably drink fluoride every day? Most public water sources in America have been fluoridated for over 75 years! Wondering why? Here are five great benefits of having fluoride in drinking water.
1.) An Easy Way to Prevent Cavities
Having fluoridated drinking water is one of the easiest ways to reduce cavities. Studies indicate that the sole act of putting fluoride in public drinking water prevents about 25% of tooth decay in both children and adults alike! This is such a remarkable benefit for communities all over the nation that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named fluoridated drinking water as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
2.) Protects Smiles at a Higher Risk of Decay
While anyone can get cavities, there are certain individuals at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, like:
- Those with thin or weak enamel, like baby teeth in children or worn-down teeth in older adults
- Those with certain medical conditions, such as allergies, gum disease, heartburn, and more
- Those with athletic lifestyles or who smoke
- Those with a family history of tooth decay or specific genetic makeup
Have an accessible and easy way to add more fluoride into the average person’s everyday life can go a tremendously long way in helping those at a greater risk of cavities keep their smiles safe.
3.) Reliably & Demonstrably Safe
Adding fluoride to drinking water has proven to be not only incredibly effective, but reliably safe as well. With over 70 years of thorough and extensive research, fluoridation of community water has proven time and time again to have next to no downsides for the vast majority of the population. Plus, it’s backed by trusted health organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Medical Association.
4.) Lowers Your Overall Oral Healthcare Costs
Every year, about 51 million school hours and 164 work hours are lost because of dental-related issues, most of which could have easily been prevented. In fact, when someone visits the ER for a toothache, it’s almost always caused by decay that could have been prevented. Fluoridated drinking water is a simple and cost-effective way to dramatically lower how much it costs for you to take care of your smile.
5.) Fluoride is Naturally Present in Drinking Water Already
Some people are concerned by the idea that fluoride is being added to their drinking water. However, what they typically don’t realize is that fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral in most natural bodies of drinking water. Very small amounts of fluoride are added to community drinking sources to meet recommended levels set by the CDC, and they are continuously monitored by professionals. Fluoride in drinking water is very similar to how milk is fortified with vitamin D, bread with folic acid, and orange juice with calcium.
About the Practice
Casco Bay Smiles is dedicated to serving smiles of all ages in Falmouth and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re visiting for a simple checkup and cleaning or a more extensive restorative treatment like dental implants, you can count on the talents and experience of Dr. Rob McVety. With years of advanced training and a true heart for helping people achieve optimal oral health, he is committed to helping you achieve a happy, healthy, and beautiful smile. To learn more about fluoride, he can be contacted via his website or at (207) 517-7008.