You’ve probably heard your dentist make a big deal about the use of fluoride. While you may have thought it seemed exaggerated, the case for fluoride helping to foster optimal health for your teeth is incredibly strong and backed by research.
But how does fluoride strengthen teeth? How important is this mineral that has been prominent in oral health through the ages? Let’s find out!
A new study published in the Journal of Dental Research has confirmed previous supporting evidence that U.S. children and teens with access to fluoridated drinking water are less likely to have cavities or dental decay.
The study looked at dental exam records from the last 10 years of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys and the Water Fluoridation Reporting Systems from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It shows that counties where 75 percent or more of the population had access to community water that was fluoridated show a 30 percent reduction in cavities in primary (or baby) teeth and a 12 percent reduction in cavities in adult or permanent teeth.
Communities around the nation have been adding fluoride to their drinking water for 70 years now, yet many people are still unaware of the benefits and importance of fluoride, especially for children. The benefits of fluoride have proven so great that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named fluoridation of community water one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century!
