Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, can be found in various elements of our environment, including soil, water, air, rocks, and plants. Moreover, it’s a common ingredient in numerous dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Interestingly, fluoride is also present in many public water sources. You might be curious as to why this mineral is intentionally added to your drinking water. If so, read on as we delve into four compelling reasons why fluoride is incorporated into your water supply and how its presence can positively impact your dental health.
#1: To Prevent Cavities
Fluoride, present in many dental products and drinking water sources, reduces cavity risk significantly. It prevents approximately 25% of tooth decay in both adults and children. The CDC considers fluoridated drinking water one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.
#2: To Protect Smiles That Are at a Higher Risk of Decay
Fluoride aids in cavity prevention for all, with added advantages for those at increased risk. Incorporating it into drinking water provides a simple means of enhancing fluoride intake for the general population, safeguarding their smiles. This particularly benefits individuals who:
- Experience medical conditions like allergies, heartburn, or gum disease
- Have a family history of tooth decay or specific genetic traits
- Engage in smoking or tobacco use
- Possess thin or weakened tooth enamel
- Lead an active athletic lifestyle
#3: To Lower Your Overall Oral Healthcare Costs
Each year, an estimated 164 million work hours and 51 million school hours are lost due to dental problems. Surprisingly, many emergency room or dentist visits for toothaches stem from preventable tooth decay. Fluoride in drinking water acts as an additional defense against decay, potentially saving you time, money, and the hassle of a dental emergency.
#4: To Build on the Fluoride Already in Drinking Water
Despite the numerous advantages fluoride provides for our smiles, some individuals remain wary of its presence in drinking water. What they may not realize is that fluoride is naturally present in most bodies of water, making it likely already present in public water sources.
Water sources are supplemented with small doses of fluoride to align with CDC guidelines, with ongoing monitoring by experts. Ingesting fluoride via drinking water is akin to consuming vitamin D-fortified milk and poses no significant difference.
About the Practice
Whether you’re a new patient or an existing one, Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help you and your child learn to better care for their smile and keep their teeth healthy and beautiful. They have tons of experience helping growing smiles thrive and can make little ones feel comfortable and safe throughout their treatment. They enjoy helping patients keep oral health problems at bay through a variety of preventive treatments. They can also teach you about the importance of fluoride in drinking water and why using fluoridated products is good for your smile. If you are interested in setting up a consultation with Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry or want to learn more about the many exceptional services they offer, visit their website to get your little one started on their smile journey.
