Fluoride is a staple substance in good dental care. Known as nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride is a naturally occurring element in water and some foods. We have come to rely on fluoride for its abilities to re-mineralize tooth enamel, fight and slow tooth decay, and prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the mouth.
Fluoride in community water systems
The very first community in the United States to add fluoride to its tap water was Grand Rapids, MI, in 1945. Ten years later, cavities in children in that community had dropped by 60%.
Adding fluoride to community water supplies can prevent 25% of cavities in children and adults. Thanks to water fluoridation, communities and individuals alike save money by avoiding cavities and further dental health problems.
In Minnesota
Over 4 million Minnesotans (77%) have access to optimally fluoridated water through public water systems. The positive impact of water fluoridation is proven with Minnesota being ranked the state with the 2nd best dental health in the nation.
Still, 34% of people over the age of 18 have lost one permanent/adult tooth due to decay or gum disease, and 8% of those over age 65 have none of their natural teeth. In 2015, a study found five out of every 10 third-graders had at least one cavity, and two out of every 10 had an untreated cavity.
Tooth decay is largely preventable, so measures such as water fluoridation are important.
So, good or bad?
The dental community continues to support community water fluoridation as a proven cavity-fighting tool, as reflected by the American Dental Association's statement. Adding fluoride to water systems makes it more accessible to many more people since it’s delivered straight to their homes. Most toothpastes that earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride, and there are higher concentration fluoride toothpastes that your dentist may recommend or even prescribe. Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride. Your dentist may also offer in-office fluoride treatments. These are often recommended to children, but also to any patient who might have a higher cavity risk.
Having too much fluoride is possible, but fluoride levels in community water systems are carefully monitored to ensure safety. The Minnesota Department of Health oversees monitoring and reporting of daily samples and municipalities are required to submit samples to MDH quarterly. As of a 2020 rule change, Minnesota’s municipal public water systems are required to stay between 0.5 to 0.9 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water. This range has been determined to be a safe and effective concentration.
As with all things, excessive exposure to fluoride can have adverse health effects. The most common is fluorosis of your tooth enamel. Fluorosis may cause a white or brown spots on your enamel during tooth development, though teeth affected are more resistant to acid attacks and cavities.
If you are worried about your fluoride intake, speak with your medical and dental provider. They can recommend ways to increase your fluoride if you aren’t getting enough. Drinking fluoridated tap water and brushing your teeth twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste are vital to maintaining good oral health.
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
