A common ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste, fluoride has been a subject of debate for years. In the new age of information overload, it can be extremely hard for the average person to sieve through false data to get to the facts.
To ease your job when researching fluoride, our team at Straight Teeth Invisible has put together this detailed guide to debunk the most common fluoride myths. Helping you discover the facts – and separate them from the misinformation currently floating around on the internet – this guide will answer all your fluoride-related questions.
Vital Facts About Fluoride
Fact #1: Fluoride is Natural Mineral
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring compound found in water, soil, and even food. However, fluoride can also be produced artificially for use in mouthwashes, toothpaste, and purified drinking water.
Fact #2: Fluoride is Vital for Healthy Teeth
A study conducted in 2013 by Australian dentists determined that the addition of fluoride in drinking water can prevent dental caries in kids by 31.6%. The study also found that adults who drink water containing fluoride experience fewer instances of tooth decay.
Adding minerals to the enamel, fluoride promotes enamel growth. This, in turn, keeps bacterial acid attacks from making the teeth more susceptible to decay. Research shows that the widespread use of fluoride has been a leading factor in the decline in severity and prevalence of dental caries.
Fact #3: Fluoride Can Help You Save Money on Dentist Visits
Studies conducted by the ADA estimate that every $1 invested in fluoridation helps each individual save $38 in future dentist visits. In parts of New York City where water was rarely fluoridated, some residents required more fillings, permanent tooth extractions, and root canals than areas with fluoridation.
People living in countries where water is fluoridated had better oral health. This suggests that using fluoridated toothpaste may have more pronounced savings when it comes to dental health.
Fact #4: Fluoride is Recognized as a Nutrient
In the right amount, fluoride plays a key role in strengthening teeth. Based on this vital benefit, a court in the United States ruled that fluoride is not a medication. The court placed fluoride in the nutrient category.
Fact #5: Getting Enough Fluoride in Childhood Determines Teeth Strength Over a Lifetime
Children who consume fluoridated water when their teeth started growing have stronger and more decay-resistant teeth. A research study conducted in 2010 confirmed that fluoridated water, when consumed at a young age, makes teeth loss – due to tooth decay – less likely forty or fifty years later when the child is a middle-aged adult.
Myths Surrounding Fluoride
Myth #1: Artificial Fluoride is Bad While Natural Fluoride is Good
It is common for people to assume that artificial fluoride is bad while naturally-occurring fluoride is good. The truth, however, is that there is no functional or chemical difference between artificial and natural fluoride. The artificial fluoride in your toothpaste will work the same way as the natural fluoride in drinking water.
Myth #2: Fluoride Lowers IQ
Concerned people often refer to a review conducted in 2011 that evaluated the effects of high fluoride levels on intelligence. The review concluded that high fluoride levels affected the brainpower of people in Asian villages.
Unfortunately, the review study had numerous flaws. For starters, the review only used obscure articles from small journals – the articles had a flawed research design.
What’s more, the fluoride levels found in the villages exceeded 10 parts per million. The recommended fluoride dose is 0.7 parts per million, which is substantially less than what was in the Asian villages. When used in the right amounts, fluoride does not lower the IQ.
Myth #3: Fluoridated Toothpaste Will Cause Fluorosis
Excessive intake of fluoride over long periods can indeed cause fluorosis. However, common oral health products like mouthwash and toothpaste carry moderate amounts of fluoride that do not feature health risks.
Myth #4: Fluoride Causes Cancer
Fluoride does not cause cancer. Hundreds of studies have been conducted worldwide trying to find a connection between fluoride use and any type of cancer. None of these studies have found a connection.
Myth #5: Fluoride is Unsafe to Kids
When used as intended, fluoride is not a danger to kids. Consuming fluoridated water has been shown to strengthen kids’ teeth as they grow, preventing tooth decay and loss later in the kids’ lives.
Need More Help with Your Teeth?
If you have gone through the facts and myths surrounding fluoride, you already know that using fluoridated oral health products can help you strengthen your enamel and reduce your risk of tooth decay.
But, what if you want to do more for your teeth than just protect them from decay? What if you have crooked teeth and would like to realign them?
At Straight Teeth Invisible, our team of orthodontists takes a lot of pleasure in helping you achieve the perfect smile. Using the right transparent teeth aligner, we will ensure everyone admires your teeth every time you smile.
Would you like to feel more confident with your smile? Schedule a free e-consult today. One of our experienced specialists will evaluate your case and recommend the best solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which dental health products contain fluoride?
Unless a dental health product is labeled fluoride-free, there is a chance that it has fluoride in it. Fluoride is a common raw material in the making of:
Mouth rinses
Oral health supplements
Toothpaste
Mouthwashes
The fluoride in these products is very metered. Manufacturers always ensure the fluoride is within the recommended levels – this ensures zero risk of adverse effects.
Why do dentists use topical fluoride?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends topical fluoride treatment at least once every 12 months. Dentists, however, may decide to use topical fluoride more often on adults who are at a high risk of cavities.
Compared to the fluoride in toothpaste, topically applied fluoride is more effective in strengthening the enamel. This adds a layer of protection on teeth that may be on their way to decaying.
Can fluoride reverse tooth decay?
Fluoride is not just effective in protecting teeth from decay. Helping with the remineralization of the tooth enamel, the mineral can reverse early signs of tooth decay.
How can I protect my kids from dental fluorosis?
In kids, dental fluorosis is only caused by swallowing large amounts of toothpaste over a long period. The easiest way to protect your kids from fluorosis is to supervise them when they are brushing their teeth. This will keep your kids from swallowing toothpaste.
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