FAQ

How can fluoride protect our teeth?

Fluoride begins strengthening the teeth before they even erupt. The fluoride that is found in food, water and our daily diet will contribute to the enamel (outer hard surface of the teeth) during its development. This form of protection is known as "systemic" (1). Once the teeth have erupted, the teeth will continue to be remineralized by fluoride through ingestion. Fluoride will adhere to the teeth throughout our daily intakes of liquid (including certain mouthwashes and toothpastes), food products and dietary supplements. As bacteria begin to demineralize our teeth throughout the day, fluoride will help to rebuild what has been lost.

What is water fluoridation?

Water fluoridation occurs in many different communities throughout the United States. Fluoride is placed in the water system and the amount added, will vary in every community.

Why would communities want to fluoridate tap water?

Communities fluoridate their water because it is cost-efficient and beneficial to an individual's oral health. Water fluoridation is beneficial because it helps prevent cavities. A disease called "caries" is what is responsible for cavities. This disease is five times more common than asthma (1). If caries have a high probability of being prevented through fluoridated water, then why would someone refuse to take advantage of it? Caries can cause discomfort for individuals causing them to have sensitivity to sweats, cold, heat. An individual may also experience a tooth ache which can lead to continual discomfort all day. Ultimately, drinking fluoridated water is helping your teeth daily and has little, too no cost to you.

Is water fluoridation safe? How effective is it in preventing cavities?

Yes, water fluoridation is safe when used properly. It is effective and can help the overall health of your teeth. According to ADA, there has been more than six decades of research on the effectiveness of fluoride and more than 195.5 million Americans have experienced and reported that fluoridation is effective in preventing cavities in children and adults (1).

What are the benefits of fluoridated water?

Fluoridated water is very easy to access and can help prevent cavities. Fluoridated water is consumed when we brush our teeth, wash our vegetables, take our vitamins, and in so many other ways. Fluoridated water can also save individuals money since they will have less, to no cavities that need to be filled. It can also save individual's time since they will not have to take time off work and/or school in order to have a cavity filled.

What are the benefits of fluoride toothpaste?

Fluoride toothpaste is beneficial because it has two great benefits. While the toothpaste is focused on removing plaque which can cause periodontal diseases and decay of the teeth, the fluoride helps strengthen the enamel (outside surface of the teeth).

Should children use fluoride toothpaste?

Children should not use fluoride if they are under the age of two unless advised to do so by a health professional. The reason for this is that two year old children do not understand the concept of not swallowing the toothpaste. For this reason, there is specific toothpaste for children that cannot cause harm if partially swallowed. When the children become older than two years, it is safe to use fluoridated toothpaste but only a pea size amount. The parents of the children should assist and supervise them.

What are the benefits of fluoride mouth rinse?

Fluoridated mouth rinses are beneficial because it allows the teeth to become resistant to decay. The ADA does not suggest that children under the age of six to use fluoridated mouth rinses because it could be fairly easy for them to swallow the mouth rinse (1).

References

(1) Fluoride and Infant Formula: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) . (n.d.). Retrieved October/November, 2011, from ADA website: http://www.ada.org/4052.aspx