You rely on your teeth every day to perform various tasks, like chewing. Unfortunately, they are always under attack. Tooth decay is a leading concern for people of all ages. To combat cavities, some public water sources have added fluoride. Adding fluoride in drinking water can help protect your teeth from harmful bacteria that can erode your enamel. You can support a healthy smile by reaching for a glass of tap water when you’re thirsty.
Fluoride Strengthens Enamel
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s found in your bones and teeth, which you acquire through your environment. You’re surrounded by fluoride because it’s in the air, plants, soil, water, and rocks. It also holds a commonplace in dentistry because it’s proven to strengthen enamel, which is the hard outer layer of a tooth.
Dental offices across the country recommend fluoride because it offers exceptional benefits, including:
- Rebuilds weakened enamel
- Slows down the loss of minerals from the enamel
- Reverses early stages of decay
- Prevents the growth of harmful bacteria
Because of its proven effectiveness, fluoride is added to many public water supplies to help lower the rate of decay to reduce overall dental expenses in the U.S.
Fluoridation Combats Tooth Decay
Since the 1940s, fluoride has been added to community water sources around the country through a process called fluoridation to boost dental health. According to a recent study by the U.S. Public Health Services, high levels of naturally occurring fluoride are linked to low levels of decay. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention names water fluoridation to be among the top 10 public health achievements in the 20th century.
While beneficial, there are concerns regarding the safety of fluoride. In the U.S., the amount added to water sources is around 0.7 parts per million, which is the maximum permitted. Although fluoride can be harmful in extremely high amounts, there isn’t enough added to tap water to cause any complications.
In rare cases, dental fluorosis can occur, which causes white spots on the enamel. It’s caused by the teeth being exposed to too much fluoride while they are still forming under the gums. This issue is solely aesthetic, which can be corrected with the help of a dentist.
Drink Plenty of Water
You can help reduce your risk of tooth decay by choosing tap water over sugary or acidic drinks. If you have concerns about your city’s water, the CDC has a tool that will give you the amount of fluoride found in the public system near you.
Besides drinking tap water, don’t forget to maintain your dental health at home and visit your dentist regularly to keep your smile cavity-free.
About Cambria Smiles
Cambria Smiles strives to provide a unique dental experience as we raise the bar for excellence through the skills and qualifications of 3 amazing dentists. We’ll create generations of healthy smiles through a focus on prevention. We offer complete services to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, contact our office today for an appointment.