Fluoridated water is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. It helps kids and adults alike and has been a part of the public health landscape for more than 70 years. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the benefits fluoridated water provides and how you can make sure your community has fluoridated water.
What is Fluoridated Water?
Fluoridated water is water that has been treated with fluorine to help prevent tooth decay. It’s a safe and effective way to reduce cavities, and it’s recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fluoridated drinking water is available in most communities across the United States, but there are still some areas that don’t have fluoridated water. You can check with your local water provider to see if fluoridated water is available in your community.
What’s the History of Water Fluoridation and How Does it Work?
Fluoridated water has been used since the 1940s to help prevent tooth decay. It’s been proven to be safe and effective, and it’s now recommended by the CDC for people of all ages.
Fluoridated water works by helping with the remineralization of teeth and making them more resistant to cavities. When you drink fluoridated water, the fluoride helps to repair any damage that has been done to your teeth by acids. This helps to prevent cavities and improve dental health.
The Controversy Surrounding Community Water Fluoridation
The fluoridation of drinking water in a community can often be surrounded by controversy. As societal understandings and opinions change, the fluoridation status of many communities alters annually – with more opting-in to the practice, and conversely, some discontinuing it altogether. While public health officials have praised water fluoridation for decades, most people only think of it in terms of preventing cavities in kids. However, fluoridated water has a much broader reach and many benefits for both kids and adults.
A new study from the University of North Carolina and the University of Adelaide in Australia has been published on water fluoridation’s efficacy. The researchers discovered that adults in Australia got the same value from cavity prevention as children did, based on a study of the population. Adults who live 75% or more of their lives in an area with fluoridated water have considerably less tooth decay than those who had lived only 25% of their life in such an environment.
“Fluoridation is not just for kids — it benefits everyone living in the city from day one,” said Dr. Gary Slade. “The benefit was at least as great for people who began living in areas fluoridated after they were born.”
Fluoridated Water and Its Role in Preventing Tooth Decay
In multiple areas of the United States, tooth decay is actually becoming more prevalent because people are increasingly drinking bottled water instead of tap. Because soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks contain high levels of sugar, they wear down tooth enamel and provide sustenance for the bacteria that cause cavities.
Fluoridated water helps prevent dental decay by making teeth more resistant to the acids that cause cavities. When teeth are exposed to acid, they lose minerals. fluoridated water can help replenish these lost minerals, preventing tooth decay.
Fluoridated water also provides benefits for adults. Adults are less likely to develop cavities when they have fluoridated water. In addition, fluoridated water can help adults keep their teeth for longer.
Fluoridated water is safe and effective for both kids and adults. If you live in a community without fluoridated water, you can talk to your local officials about getting it added to the water supply. You can also fluoridate your own water at home with a simple filter. Fluoridated water benefits kids and adults and is an important part of keeping your community healthy.
Are there any risks of fluoridated drinking water?
The fluoridation of water is a highly regulated process in the United States, and the amount of fluoride added to water is carefully monitored to ensure it is safe for human consumption. Some people are concerned about the safety of fluoridated water, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reviewed over 50 years of research and has found that fluoridated water is safe for people of all ages.
The CDC does not recommend that pregnant women drink fluoridated water because they may be at a higher risk for developing dental fluorosis. This condition causes white spots on teeth but is not harmful to overall health. If you are pregnant, you can talk to your doctor or dentist about whether or not you should drink fluoridated water.
If you have any concerns about the safety of fluoridated water, you can talk to your doctor or dentist.
How Can I Tell if My Water is Fluoridated?
The easiest way to know if your water is fluoridated is to call your water supplier and ask. If you get your water from a private well, you can have it tested for fluoride levels at a state-certified laboratory. If you’re not sure whether or not your water is fluoridated, talk to your dentist or doctor. They can help you determine if you and your family are getting enough fluoride.
You can also use fluoride in a variety of ways to help prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health. Look for the fluoridation symbol on your toothpaste tube. Most toothpaste sold in the United States contains fluoride. The fluoridation symbol indicates the presence of fluoride. Other fluoride products include mouthwash and mouth rinses. You can also speak to your doctor about getting a fluoride treatment for you and your family at your next visit.
Fluoridated water has many benefits for children and adults alike. If you live in an area without fluoridated water, talk to your local officials about getting it added to the water supply. Fluoridated water is good for kids and adults and is an important part of keeping your community healthy.
Preventative Dentistry for Your Oral Health
The American Dental Association recommends regular visits to your dentist to prevent tooth decay, repair any decayed teeth, and prevent several long-term adverse effects caused by decaying teeth. This generally involves:
- Seeing your dentist every six months
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day
- Flossing daily
In addition, various treatment options including dental sealants and topical fluoride can also help protect your teeth. Speak with the dental team at Lee Family Dentistry to learn more about preventative dentistry.