Tiffany Summerlin, RDH Fluoride has endured a lot of analysis and scrutiny in the public eye over the last 50-plus years it has been utilized, even though it has proven time and time again that it is safe and effective at reducing dental decay across all generations. What we would like to do is present a few common misconceptions that the public has presented about fluoride, with an objective view of the facts.
Myth #1: “Fluoridation causes cancer and other serious health problems.”
The Truth: Leading experts agree: fluoridated water is both safe and effective.
The Facts
Leading health and medical authorities endorse water fluoridation as safe The CDC reports that “panels of experts from different health and scientific fields have provided strong evidence that water fluoridation is safe and effective.”
More than 3,200 studies or reports had been published on the subject of fluoridation. A 2011 Harvard study found no link between fluoride and bone cancer. This study design, which was approved by the National Cancer Institute, reviewed hundreds of bone samples. This is significant because the National Research Council reported that if there were any type of cancer that fluoride might possibly be linked to, it would probably be bone cancer (because fluoride is drawn to bones). The fact that this study found no link to bone cancer strengthens confidence that fluoride is unlikely to cause any form of cancer.
Fluorine, from which fluoride is derived, is the 13th most abundant element and is released into the environment naturally in both water and air. Fluoride is naturally present in all water. Community water fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to adjust the natural fluoride concentration of a community's water supply to the level recommended for optimal dental health, approximately 0.7 ppm (parts per million). 0.7 ppm is the equivalent of 0.7 mg/L, or 0.7 inches in 16 miles. Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe, and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. Fluoridation benefits Americans of all ages and socioeconomic status.
Myth #1: “Fluoridation causes cancer and other serious health problems.”
The Truth: Leading experts agree: fluoridated water is both safe and effective.
The Facts
Leading health and medical authorities endorse water fluoridation as safe The CDC reports that “panels of experts from different health and scientific fields have provided strong evidence that water fluoridation is safe and effective.”
More than 3,200 studies or reports had been published on the subject of fluoridation. A 2011 Harvard study found no link between fluoride and bone cancer. This study design, which was approved by the National Cancer Institute, reviewed hundreds of bone samples. This is significant because the National Research Council reported that if there were any type of cancer that fluoride might possibly be linked to, it would probably be bone cancer (because fluoride is drawn to bones). The fact that this study found no link to bone cancer strengthens confidence that fluoride is unlikely to cause any form of cancer.
Fluorine, from which fluoride is derived, is the 13th most abundant element and is released into the environment naturally in both water and air. Fluoride is naturally present in all water. Community water fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to adjust the natural fluoride concentration of a community's water supply to the level recommended for optimal dental health, approximately 0.7 ppm (parts per million). 0.7 ppm is the equivalent of 0.7 mg/L, or 0.7 inches in 16 miles. Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe, and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. Fluoridation benefits Americans of all ages and socioeconomic status.
Myth #2: “Tooth decay is no longer a problem in the United States.”
The Truth: Although Americans’ teeth are healthier than they were several decades ago, many people still suffer from decay and the overall impact it has on their lives. People are keeping more teeth into older age, making the foundation of their teeth even more important at a young age.
The Facts
Tooth decay is the most common chronic health problem affecting children in the U.S. It is five times more common than asthma. Tooth decay causes problems that often last long into adulthood — affecting kids’ ability to sleep, speak, learn and grow into happy and healthy adults. Fluoride's main effect occurs after the tooth has erupted above the gum. This topical effect happens when small amounts of fluoride are maintained in the mouth in saliva and dental plaque. Fluoride works by stopping or even reversing the tooth decay process. It keeps the tooth enamel strong and solid by preventing the loss of (and enhancing the reattachment of) important minerals from the tooth enamel.65.6% of West Virginia children age eight have experienced tooth decay and 35.5% of children ages six to eight years have untreated tooth decay. Poor dental health worsens a person’s future job prospects. A 2008 study showed that people who are missing front teeth are viewed as less intelligent and less desirable by employers.
Myth #3: “Fluoridation causes fluorosis, and fluorosis can make teeth brown and pitted.”
The Truth: Very high fluoride concentrations can lead to a condition called fluorosis. Nearly all fluorosis in the U.S. is mild. This condition does not cause pain, and does not affect the health or function of the teeth.
The Facts
Most cases of fluorosis are mild — faint, white specks on teeth — that are usually so subtle that only a dentist will be able to identify them as it presents as a chalk-like discoloration (white spots) of tooth enamel. This usually presents in people that have been allowed to consume excessive toothpaste as a child during the time that the enamel of the effected teeth was forming (up to around 6 years old) typically unrelated to water fluoridation in the U.S. Mild fluorosis does not cause pain, and it does not affect the health or function of the teeth. The pictures of dark pitted teeth show severe cases of fluorosis, a condition that is almost unheard of in the U.S., and usually manifests in people that are consuming water that naturally contains large amounts of fluoride due to geographical location.
What can you expect at MCHD Dentistry regarding fluoride?
The Truth: Although Americans’ teeth are healthier than they were several decades ago, many people still suffer from decay and the overall impact it has on their lives. People are keeping more teeth into older age, making the foundation of their teeth even more important at a young age.
The Facts
Tooth decay is the most common chronic health problem affecting children in the U.S. It is five times more common than asthma. Tooth decay causes problems that often last long into adulthood — affecting kids’ ability to sleep, speak, learn and grow into happy and healthy adults. Fluoride's main effect occurs after the tooth has erupted above the gum. This topical effect happens when small amounts of fluoride are maintained in the mouth in saliva and dental plaque. Fluoride works by stopping or even reversing the tooth decay process. It keeps the tooth enamel strong and solid by preventing the loss of (and enhancing the reattachment of) important minerals from the tooth enamel.65.6% of West Virginia children age eight have experienced tooth decay and 35.5% of children ages six to eight years have untreated tooth decay. Poor dental health worsens a person’s future job prospects. A 2008 study showed that people who are missing front teeth are viewed as less intelligent and less desirable by employers.
Myth #3: “Fluoridation causes fluorosis, and fluorosis can make teeth brown and pitted.”
The Truth: Very high fluoride concentrations can lead to a condition called fluorosis. Nearly all fluorosis in the U.S. is mild. This condition does not cause pain, and does not affect the health or function of the teeth.
The Facts
Most cases of fluorosis are mild — faint, white specks on teeth — that are usually so subtle that only a dentist will be able to identify them as it presents as a chalk-like discoloration (white spots) of tooth enamel. This usually presents in people that have been allowed to consume excessive toothpaste as a child during the time that the enamel of the effected teeth was forming (up to around 6 years old) typically unrelated to water fluoridation in the U.S. Mild fluorosis does not cause pain, and it does not affect the health or function of the teeth. The pictures of dark pitted teeth show severe cases of fluorosis, a condition that is almost unheard of in the U.S., and usually manifests in people that are consuming water that naturally contains large amounts of fluoride due to geographical location.
What can you expect at MCHD Dentistry regarding fluoride?
- We will recommend that all patients brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
- As a part of comprehensive preventive care for children a fluoride varnish will be applied after dental cleaning. Adults are also advised if they would benefit from fluoride treatments, though it is not regularly coved by insurance.
- Prescriptions for fluoride tablets may be prescribed for high caries risk adolescent patients with well water at home.
- Patients with xerostomia (dry mouth) or other caries-risk conditions may be prescribed high concentration fluoride paste to prevent decay.
- Just like any service that we offer, we will of course respect any wishes for those wanting to avoid fluoride exposure.
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