Intro:
A lot of controversy surrounds fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral found in nature. In the United States, the process of fluoridation of the water began post-World War II.
The fluoridation of public water measures received endorsement from the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association in the early 1950s. Public officials take it upon themselves to act as gatekeepers of public health.
Thus, the fluoridation of the public water supply aimed to lower the number of cavities experienced by the public. In 2021, studies on the pros of fluoride prove that the mineral is effective against cavities.
Controversy surrounded the mineral in the public water supply after a Canadian study. The Canadian study found that pregnant women who ingested the fluoride water gave birth to sons with lower IQs.
Other studies show that adults don’t experience a decline in IQ. Adults don’t experience toxicity from fluoride ingestion either. For children aged six and under, it’s different.
Although children don’t consume fluoride water, swallowing products that contain the mineral are toxic for them. It’s one reason why children’s toothpaste no longer contains fluoride.
Children who see a pediatric dentist receive a dose of fluoride directly on their teeth during an exam. Studies show that the mineral’s effectiveness is real. It’s simply necessary to avoid over-ingesting it.
The following are the pros and cons of fluoride to consider.
Pro – Prevents Cavities
The jury is still out on the effectiveness of adding fluoride to the public water supply. Researchers found that the need for preventive dentistry helps at least 60% of the population. Water fluoridation didn’t decrease the need for visiting a dentist once every six months.
When you visit your favorite drugstore or retailer, you’ll find an entire aisle dedicated to dental products. Retailers stock the aisle with toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, and floss. You’ll also find water flossers and other teeth care products in the aisle too.
The variety of toothpaste and mouthwashes alone is vast. Several products now contain fluoride. Instead of relying on the water supply to protect your teeth, apply the fluoride directly. At least, it’s the logic that dental care products have adopted.
After rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash, the instructions specifically ask the user to spit it out. Plus, the individual cannot eat or consume liquids for half an hour.
The fluoride coats the teeth to protect them. Fluoride helps teeth resist the damaging properties contained in acid. The mineral also protects teeth against bacteria, plaque, and the film that forms on the teeth in between professional cleanings.
Pro – Prevents Tooth Decay
Fluoride also protects teeth against tooth decay. An individual’s oral health doesn’t deteriorate overnight. Instead, it happens over time.
The first sign of less-than-perfect oral health habits is the appearance of cavities. Then untreated cavities become tooth decay. Fluoride is a helpful oral health tool. If nothing else, it slows down decay. The protection gives the public time to seek dental help from a dentist.
Otherwise, the individual will lose the affected teeth much faster. The loss of teeth turns into expensive dental procedures that include surgery and implants.
Whether this reality merited public officials taking action through the water supply is still debatable. Nonetheless, they took action.
Con – Toxic if Ingested by Children
When parents shop for their children’s toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes, ensure that the products contain no fluoride. The studies remain confident that the mineral is most toxic for children under the age of six when ingested.
In addition, pregnant women protect themselves and their babies by limiting the amount of public supply water they consume. Until new research proves different, the fluoride in the water is harmful to their baby.
Fluoride is a natural mineral readily found in nature. It does a good job in tiny doses. For people, it’s most effective when applied directly to the teeth instead of ingesting it.
Con – Negative Impact on Adult Bones
If consumed in large doses, fluoride can harm adult bones. Known as skeletal fluorosis, it weakens the bones from the inside. The bones maintain density but they face a greater risk of fractures.
Based on the research, it seems that the negative effects of fluoride result from over-ingestion.
The fluoride in the public supply water raises other safety concerns for some individuals. For example, they wonder if the water is safe for sanitation purposes.
Individuals who wear a night guard must keep it clean. If you want to boil it to clean the mouthguard, JS Dental Lab provides some guidance.
Conclusion
Fluoride for teeth delivers several benefits. Whether or not it remains in the public water supply is still up for debate. Based on several studies, the fluoride issue occurs with ingestion. Instead of relying on the public water supply for teeth protection, purchase oral health products that contain fluoride. Incorporate them into your dental care routine.