Dentists around you debunk common fluoride myths – These may surprise you

The internet is full of all types of information; a lot of it is misinformation published by people with ill intent or those who do not verify the information before posting it online.

You will find a lot of facts about Fluoride and its role in keeping bones healthy and strong. However, are those facts true or false? Read on below to find more.

What Is Fluoride?

• The negative ion of the element Fluorine is called Fluoride. It is a naturally occurring element, although it exists in trace amounts. It can be found in air, rocks, fresh water, soil, seawater, and foods.

Fluoride is an essential component in the mineralization of bones and teeth. In addition to Calcium, Fluoride is necessary for strong and hard bones and teeth.

• As much as 99% of the human body’s Fluoride is deposited and stored in the bones and teeth. In some countries, Fluoride is added to the drinking water supply.

Fluoride helps prevent dental cavities; therefore, it is an essential ingredient in many dental care products. Regularly brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can save you from a trip to the dentist’s office.

Common Sources of Fluoride

• Fluoride is safe to be ingested and is usually applied topically to the teeth. Fluoride is naturally present in groundwater, but its concentration varies. In some countries, the concentration is too high, while in others, the concentration is negligible.

In those countries where tap water is the standard drinking water for households, Fluoride is added to the water at the water treatment facility. The USA, UK, and Australia add Fluoride to water supplies, approximately about 0.7mg per liter of water.

• Dentists recommend fluoride supplements for people at high risk of developing cavities and other dental issues. These supplements come in the form of pills, creams, and gels. Anyone over the age of six can safely use them.

If fluoridated water is used for irrigation on farms, then certain plants can absorb the Fluoride and pass it on to the fruits and vegetables. When ingested, these plants can provide the body with a minute quantity of Fluoride.

Myth # 1: Fluoride Has No Impact On Tooth Decay

• This is probably the most common myth regarding Fluoride. Research and experiments by various authors and organizations have repeatedly asserted the fact that Fluoride is highly beneficial for preventing tooth decay. Drinking fluoridated water and brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste offers the best protection against tooth decay.

In your mouth, Fluoride combines with saliva that has phosphate and calcium. Together they further strengthen and harden your teeth. Fluorapatite is formed due to the combination of Fluoride and phosphate, and it helps wash your teeth as well as strengthen them.

Myth # 2: Using Fluoride Leads To Fluorosis:

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  Fluorosis is a condition that is characterized by the presence of yellow-stained and hard teeth having deep pits. Although people with fluorosis are highly resistant to developing cavities, they find removing the yellow stains extremely difficult.

Fluorosis usually develops when teeth are forming during your childhood. If you did not develop fluorosis when you were young, then you won’t develop it in your adult life.

Myth # 3: Fluoride Is Dangerous To Drink

• Fluoride is considered a harmful chemical that can have a profound negative impact on your digestive system and body.

However, for the past 100 years, Fluoride has been added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay. It has been proven and tested to be completely safe for consumption.

Myth # 4: Fluoride Causes Fluorosis In Children

• While it is true that children are highly susceptible to developing fluorosis, the amount of Fluoride that will lead to the development of this condition is extremely high.

Under normal circumstances, it is not possible to ingest or use such a high quantity of Fluoride.

Myth # 5: If You Are Using Fluoridated Water, Then There Is No Need To Use Fluoride Toothpaste

• Although Fluoride is added to drinking water, it is difficult to know how much Fluoride is going into your body. Fluoride quantities may differ across locations.

Using fluoride toothpaste is a positive step in meeting the required amount of Fluoride to keep your teeth safe from cavities and gum diseases.

• We at Icon Dental Center are a team of highly specialized dental professionals working for the past several years in Everett and Seattle. Contact us today at 206-225-2882 for all your dental requirements.