Fluoride is more than an ingredient in your toothpaste . . . it is a mineral that is available in foods and naturally in some waters. It is added in some communities where the natural levels are not enough to benefit the teeth (0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers fluoridation of water one of the greatest achievements in public health in the 20th century. In our day to day lives, there is a constant war of the acids which weaken and strengthen the enamel of our teeth. When the acid wins, that is when cavities can start forming. We can use fluoride to help repair those areas and if caught early enough we can “fix” the cavity. This is for all ages-not just children. There are many conversations that fluoride is detrimental for a person’s health, but in the dental field we do recognize the importance and reliability of fluoride. We recommend that people that have concerns do research before deciding to avoid fluoride. You can view the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/ for further information. Your health depends on it!
