Fluoridation

There is so much talk about what people should be doing to prevent tooth decay and dentists often emphasize what the patient isn’t doing or what they are doing wrong. The patient seems to be given all of the responsibility, which is reasonable because it is their own health that is the point of concern. Just like people know to keep a well-rounded diet to keep their cholesterol levels down and to work out to keep active and healthy, many people choose not to listen to their doctors. They prioritize their lives differently, many putting their health on the line before their busy schedules. As strange as this may seem, people don’t always do what they can to prevent major problems in the future. Dentistry is no alternative.

An idea was introduced in the 1940s with the means to help the public solve these problems. Since people were not taking their health into their own hands, why not help them, without them even knowing it? It seemed to solve both problems at hand: the patient’s laziness and improving their oral health. The solution was to add fluoride ions to the drinking water, a process called fluoridation. A small amount of fluorine, 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million, would be added to provide the general public with a first line of defense against tooth decay. This adequate level would benefit everyone, both those who do not have proper dental care, and even those who do. Since it is in the drinking water, little effort would be needed by the patient. Simply drinking tap water would give them enough fluoride in their diet to improve their oral health.

Fluorine should not be thought of as a scary chemical being put into your body. Fluorine is a naturally occurring compound, found in most living things. It is found in plants and animals, as well as in the soil. Fluorine is ionized, or broken down into smaller, more reactive charged species that will easily be absorbed by water. It is proven to help reduce the damage done to teeth caused by acids. If the acids are not prevented or controlled, they can lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay is also known as caries or cavities. Fluoride is in a lot of food that is eaten regularly, unannounced to the consumer. It can also be bought at the drug store as a toothpaste with fluoride included, or separately as a fluoride paste. Obviously, if fluoride was harmful to your body it would not be allowed to be sold, nor would it be recommended by your dentist.

Information provided by the American Dental Association and Basics about Fluoride.