At some point in your life, you’ve probably heard of the substance known as fluoride. Whether you’ve seen it on one of those toothpaste commercials or at the back of your mouthwash, fluoride has been around for hundreds of years—yet the truth is that people know very little about it. The only thing you’re sure about it is that it’s somehow good for your teeth!
So what role does fluoride play in dental care and oral hygiene?
Fluoride Explained
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, food, and natural sources of water. Despite having a reputation of being found only on toothpaste, fluoride is virtually available everywhere. In fact, its gaseous form, Fluorine, is considered the 13th most abundant element on the surface of the Earth.
Fluoride and Its Uses
Ancient Egyptians have used Fluorite, its crystal form, to carve statues and jewelry because of its natural fluorescence. The term “fluorescence” was actually influenced by the discovery of fluorite and its natural glow. Today, fluoride can be found in a variety of dental products, like toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, as well as dental cement and fillings!
For the past 75 years, people in the US have been drinking water laced with fluoride to curb dental problems. Dubbed as “water fluoridation,” the process involves adding fluoride into the community water supply to keep the teeth of young children strong and cavity-free. In a study conducted by Cochrane, fluoridated water resulted in children having 35% fewer decayed, missing, and filled teeth.
How Fluoride Works
According to the American Dental Association, products fortified with fluoride can significantly decrease the risk of tooth decay and cavities for both children and adults. For children, it works by changing the way enamel develops, giving it more resistance to the acid present in the mouth. Food residue in the mouth produces acid over time, which can damage teeth and cause oral health problems. Fluoride dispels that acid and makes teeth more resistant to it!
Risks of Using Fluoride
Like any known substance that enters the human body, moderation is important. As good as it might be for your oral health, ingesting too much fluoride can also lead to some unwanted side effects.
Dental fluorosis is one such side effect, where white spots appear on the surface of your teeth. As scary as that might sound, this is merely a cosmetic problem and does not cause any harm to your body. Skeletal fluorosis, on the other hand, can cause the calcification of ligaments and can also alter your bone structure!
Both problems stem from ingestion or exposure to very high levels of fluoride. Keep in mind that drinking fluoridated water and using toothpaste is perfectly fine, as they contain regulated amounts of fluoride that are beneficial to you. Too much, however, is sure to be a danger to your health.
Conclusion
The guaranteed benefits of using fluoride far outweigh the risks. Fluoride has been integral to preventing many dental problems for generations. Without knowing it, this wonder substance has been keeping our oral and dental health in check—and will do so for many years to come. Whenever you go to your regular appointment with your dentist, you’ll have a greater appreciation of fluoride and its many benefits to your health.
If you need the advice of an experienced dentist in Marietta, GA, turn to Kabani Dental. Our resident family dentist, Dr. Shaila Kabani DDS, has been practicing dentistry for more than 17 years. Our clinic offers general, family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to residents of Marietta and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!