What Does Fluoride Do for Teeth?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, air, and soil. In dental care, it’s widely known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. When applied directly to the teeth, fluoride interacts with the minerals in your enamel to form a strong barrier, helping to slow or even reverse early stages of tooth decay. That’s why you’ll find fluoride in many everyday dental products, including toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional varnish treatments.
Stats About Fluoride
- Fluoride in drinking water was first introduced in 1945 to reduce cavities.
- Studies in 23 countries have shown that water fluoridation can reduce cavities in children’s primary teeth by 40-50% and in adult teeth by 50-60%.
- Over 97% of European countries, including Germany and Italy, do not fluoridate their water.
- Between 1999 and 2004, the prevalence of dental fluorosis (overexposure to fluoride) was 41% in American adolescents aged 12 to 15 years.
- Fluoride in drinking water is now maintained at 0.8-1.0 parts per million to limit toxicity.
- Fluoride’s benefit is primarily topical, with treatments like toothpaste and mouthwash showing effective results.
The Debate Heats Up: Concerns About Fluoride in Drinking Water
In recent years, debates over fluoride have become more common. While fluoride has a well-established history of reducing cavities, concerns about adding it to public drinking water have surfaced. Some developed countries, including Japan and many in Europe, have chosen not to fluoridate their water, while others regulate fluoride carefully to minimize potential risks.
One concern is fluorosis, a condition that results from excessive fluoride exposure, especially in children. Fluorosis causes white spots on the teeth and, in severe cases, can affect the structure of enamel.
Topical Fluoride vs Ingested Fluoride
Fluoride’s main benefit is in its topical application, meaning it works best when it’s applied directly to the surface of your teeth rather than ingested. This is why fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional treatments are highly recommended. Using fluoride in this way provides the protection you need against cavities without the potential risks associated with drinking high levels of fluoridated water or excessive use of fluoride supplements.
How Safe Is Fluoride for Children?
For children under six, fluoride use should be carefully supervised. Young children are more likely to swallow toothpaste, which can lead to fluorosis. In fact, studies show that over 80% of fluoride toxicity cases in children come from swallowing fluoride products. To prevent this, it’s recommended that children use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and spit it out rather than swallowing. Monitoring fluoride intake can help keep its use safe and effective for kids.
Our Take: The Benefits of Topical Fluoride for Your Teeth
At Thrive Dental, we base our recommendations on the available facts and scientific research. While ingesting fluoride through water may be less effective for your dental health and could carry risks of overexposure, research shows that using fluoride topically in toothpastes and mouthwash—both of which are not ingested—is a safe and very effective way to prevent cavities and promote oral health. This targeted application protects tooth enamel without the potential risks associated with systemic fluoride intake.
Fluoride is a powerful tool in preventative dentistry, but using it wisely is key. Want to learn more from a dentist about how fluoride can benefit your teeth? Visit a Thrive location near you.
