The Importance of Fluoride

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!

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States? The worst part about that statistic is that it’s almost entirely preventable with a consistently good oral hygiene routine. Of course, that’s not as easy as it sounds. If you’re a parent, you know exactly what we mean. Trying to get children of any age to floss and brush their teeth correctly every morning and every night is often a huge fight, and when you are successful you probably wonder if they’ve done a good enough job to prevent cavities. This is where fluoride comes in to save the day.

Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter, and it can make a huge difference on the war against tooth decay, especially among children. It helps keep teeth strong and resistant to the acid attacks that occur every time we eat or drink something. You can make sure you and your family are getting the fluoride you need by:

  • Drinking fluoridated tap water on a regular basis.
  • Using toothpaste that contains fluoride (most do).
  • Keeping up with regular dentist appointments and making sure you are getting your fluoride treatments.
  • Asking Dr. Lesko about the fluoride in your local water supply. If you don’t have access to fluoridated water for any reason, you may want to consider supplements.

When it comes to fluoride, it’s great for teeth, but be sure to talk to Dr. Lesko about how much is the right amount. It is possible to overdo it when it comes to fluoride, so the best thing you can do is find out what the right amount is for you and your daily lifestyle next time you come in for an appointment.

For more information on fluoride or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lesko and her team, call us today at 970-221-5115.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526