FLUORIDE: FACTS & MYTHS
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9 August 2021

FLUORIDE: FACTS & MYTHS

Whenever dental health is considered or when someone looks to buy toothpaste, one of the most common things they look at is fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral found in the foods and water we drink and is also present in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwashes. Fluorides strengthen the teeth, tooth enamel and prevent cavities and tooth decay. It is, thus, added to the community water supply for the health benefits packed in it. However, there are a few myths regarding the use of fluoride that ought to get debunked. So here is a list of the fluoride myths and the facts that debunk these fluoride misconceptions. 

 

HOW IS FLUORIDE GOOD FOR TEETH? 

As you know, the enamel is the outer covering of the teeth that protect the inner tissues. The enamel is composed of calcium and phosphate. When you consume sugary and acidic foods and drinks, the carbohydrates in these foods are fed upon by the harmful bacteria in the mouth that form plaque and release harmful acids. These acids attack the enamel and strip off the calcium and phosphate components, resulting in demineralization and cavities. 

 

Saliva also has calcium and phosphate that covers the enamel and strengthens it. Thus saliva acts as a defense agent in the mouth against bacterial attacks. When you intake fluoride via water or foods or toothpaste, the saliva contains fluoride that combines with calcium and phosphate. This remineralizes the enamel and creates a robust defense system in the mouth. Thus fluoride is highly essential for teeth as it prevents cavities and tooth decay.  

 

DEBUNKING THE MYTHS ABOUT THE FLOURIDE 

 

Myth 1: Fluoridated Water Causes Fluorosis 

People have a misbelief that water that contains fluoride causes fluorosis. However, that does not hold true. Fluorosis is caused by the overconsumption of fluoride beyond the suggested limits. The community drinking water contains a limited quantity of fluoride that falls under the safe consumable limit.  

 

Myth 2: Fluoride Causes Allergies 

Fluoride is found naturally in most foods and water in limited quantities. It protects the teeth from decay and cavities. To the claims stating that fluoride causes allergies, there are no pieces of evidence established yet, supporting their claims. Fluoride is not only good for teeth but also has other health benefits. It does not cause any allergy or other diseases like diabetes, heart disease, etc.  

 

Myth 3: Fluoride Causes Cancer & Other Health Ailments 

Not only allergies but there are claims that fluoride causes cancer especially, bone cancer. There are also misconceptions that fluoride causes bone fractures and arthritis. However, on analyzing, it was found that the locales drinking fluoridated water had no many cases for these diseases, whereas, the cases were comparatively higher in non-fluoridated water drinking areas.   

CDC has also reported that the panels of health experts and scientists have done extensive research in this matter and have arrived with stronger evidence that fluoride or fluoridated water does not cause any health issues including, cancer. It is very much safe to drink water that contains fluoride within permissible limits. 

 

Myth 4: Fluoridated Water does not prevent Tooth Decay 

To the people telling, that fluoride or fluoridated water does not prevent or impact tooth decay, it is already stated above how fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. CDC has also claimed that fluoride is effective enough in preventing tooth decay and cited that fluoridated drinking water is one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.    

Many studies are showing that communities drinking fluoridated water had lesser cases of cavities rather than the ones drinking non-fluoridated water. Fluoride is one of the essential components for healthy teeth, and hence CDC has recommended fluoridating water at 0.7 parts per million.  

 

Myth 5: Fluoride is Not Good for Children 

Myths are revolving around child’s health and the consumption of fluoride. The fact is that babies and kids require fluoride at young ages to strengthen their teeth and preserve their upcoming natural teeth for a lifetime. If you go by stats, tooth decay is one of the most common health issues in American children, and that’s because baby teeth are highly susceptible to cavities that further decay the teeth. To prevent cavities, follow the best dental health tips for kids and provide optimally fluoridated drinking water. Pediatricians also provide fluoride tablets for strengthening the baby teeth and preventing tooth decay. Thus fluoride is very much safe for children when it gets administered within permissible limits. As a parent or guardian, you must debunk these dental myths about baby teeth and nourish good care for your kid’s dental health.  

 

Myth 6: Fluoridated Water is not needed when you use Fluoride Toothpaste 

It’s good that you use fluoride toothpaste for brushing your teeth, as fluoride strengthens your dental health. However, whichever toothpaste you choose based on dental condition, it is essential to drink fluoridated water as it has a better impact on the teeth than the toothpaste.  

 

Myth 7: Community Fluoridation of Water is Expensive 

If you also believe that fluoridation of water is expensive, it’s time that you debunk this myth. Can you imagine the cost of going through tooth decay? Tooth decay endures too much pain and can also lead to the falling of the tooth. However, if you fluoridate the water, efforts, pain and money can be saved. Fluoridation of water is nearly inexpensive and endorsed by top health bodies like WHO.    

 

There are several myths about fluorides and myths about dental health that must be debunked. Debunking these myths is possible only by providing the correct dental education. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water that preserve your natural teeth for longer. Also, follow a good dental routine to strengthen dental health. If you are suffering from any dental issue, visit The Elite Dental Care, the best dental clinic in Tracy, California for your dental treatments. The best dentist in Tracy will improve your dental health and enhance the appearance of your smile by correcting tooth imperfections and cosmetic dentistry.