What to Know About Fluoride
What to Know About Fluoride
Fluorination of water has been in the news lately, and understanding this hot topic is a great way to feel like an empowered citizen and make the right choices for you and your family.
The US started fluorinating public drinking water in 1945 after the end of World War II. This was named one of the top 10 most impactful public health interventions in the 20th century. Fluorination of public drinking water reduced tooth decay between 40-70% in children, and 40-60% reduction of tooth loss in adults in the 20th century. The percentage of reduction varies depending on what study you read, but a generally a change about 20% is noted.
Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in water sources, albeit in very small amounts. It can be helpful for preventing tooth decay because it repairs the damage done by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acid, which in turn eat away at the tooth’s natural enamel.
“The recommended fluoride concentration in drinking water is 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water, which is about equal to 3 drops in a 55-gallon barrel, according to the CDC” (CBS News). This is a very small percentage. High levels of fluoride intake (more than 0.7ml/L) can lead to fluorosis, a condition that can cause white discolorations on the tooth. This can be prevented by limiting the amount of fluoride intake by an individual as a child, while the teeth are growing and developing.
This isn’t the first time that the topic of fluoride in drinking water has come up in the news, and it likely won’t be the last. Scientific research should be used to empower us with knowledge, not scare us. When a hot topic comes up in the news, remember to do your own research and think for yourself. Your family’s health depends on it. The more you know!
Works Cited
CDC. “About Dental Fluorosis.” Oral Health, 6 June 2024, www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/about-dental-fluorosis.html.
—. “Ten Great Public Health Achievements — United States, 1900-1999 .” CDC, 2 Apr. 1999, www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00056796.htm.
Moniuszko, Sara. “What to Know about Fluoride in Water Following RFK Jr.’S Health Claims.” Cbsnews.com, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2024, www.cbsnews.com/news/fluoride-in-water-health/.
World Health Organization. “Sugars and Dental Caries.” World Health Organization, 9 Nov. 2017, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sugars-and-dental-caries.