Fluoride is a natural element found in ground water and our oceans. Most of us are familiar with this mineral as it is in our toothpaste, mouth wash and used as a treatment in the dentist or doctor office. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent tooth decay.
Tooth decay, dental cavities, is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting nearly 60-90% of the worldwide. This is more than a cosmetic problem as it causes chronic inflammation which has been found to shorten lifetimes.
Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces the risk of cavities. It does this by remineralization of the tooth enamel, slowing down the process of demineralization, reversing early tooth decay and preventing the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
Every day the enamel of the tooth gains and loses minerals. The enamel gains minerals when food and water that contain fluoride, calcium and phosphate are consumed. It loses minerals when acids are formed by bacteria, plaque and sugars in the mouth. The acids attack the enamel and drain off the minerals. Cavities are caused by bacteria that live in the mouth. They feed on leftover food found in the mouth which includes sugary foods and drinks. When the bacteria consumes the sugars they release acids that attack the enamel and overtime they damage the protective layer of the tooth and allow tooth decay.
Fluorides protect baby teeth from the very start. Even before the teeth break through the gums they benefit from the fluoride in their food and water. Bottled water rarely contains fluoride so tap water is recommended.
For more than 70 years the best evidence shows that adding fluoride to community water supplies is safe and effective. Once again it is the Goldilocks rule not too much and not too little. It has to be just right. The current recommendation is that communities adjust fluoride levels to 0.7 milligrams per liter of water. More than 100 health organizations recognize the cavity-fighting benefits of fluorinated water.
The most common side effect of fluoride is fluorosis which causes discoloration of the tooth enamel. This is most often the result of consuming naturally occurring fluoride like that found in well water. Consistent exposure to very elevated levels of fluoride has been describe and are associated with neurotoxicity and a lowered cognitive ability. This remains a controversial subject.
The American Dental Association recommends for infants take breast milk, read-to-feed formula or prepared formula mixed with fluoride-free water. For young children use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste with each brushing, spitting out rather than swallowing the toothpaste, children under 6 to not use fluoride mouth rinse and no fluoride-containing dietary supplements.
There is new research using ‘good’ bacteria (probiotics) that help the growth and survival of healthy oral microbiota. This can reduce the cavities-related bacteria and have shown benefits for children’s oral health.
by Sally Robinson, MD Clinical Professor
Keeping Kids Healthy
Published 06/24