At the dentist, it is possible that you have heard that “Fluoride is beneficial to the teeth,” and this is extremely true! Fluoride has properties that help the teeth to fight against tooth decay (cavities) since it helps to strengthen the enamel. As a result, fluoride contributes to improving our overall oral health.
Fluoride Research:
The most common way of receiving fluoride is through community drinking water. According to the ADA, community water fluoridation is effective for preventing, and in some cases, reversing tooth decay, for individuals of all ages. In fact, the effectiveness of fluoride in drinking water to fight against tooth decay is something that has been noted throughout scientific literature for over 70 years. So, we should gladly thank the research from the 1930s and 1940s of what caused the “Colorado Brown Stain,” for our fluoridated water today!
Is my water fluoridated?
According to the CDC, Short Pump, Virginia, located in Henrico County has fluoridated water. More specifically, the water contains 0.70 milligrams per Liter (mg/L) of fluoride in the drinking water, a level recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that prevents tooth decay and positively impacts oral health. To find out if fluoride is in the water of other community’s, you can simply visit the CDC’s website and search by the individual county. It’s fascinating what information you may find.
Is Fluoride safe?
Yes, fluoride is considered safe and as we already know, effective! Safety standards established by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and NSF International (NSF) have been put in place to ensure the safety of the three fluoride additives (sodium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate, and fluorosilicic acid) used in the United States that are put into the water supply. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) serves its purpose to regulate the drinking water additives, which is required under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) passed by Congress in 1974.
Contact Us:
As you can see, fluoride is a benefit to us all in the community. Toothpastes, mouthwashes, and fluoride treatments administered by a dental hygienist in the dental office can serve as additional sources of fluoride. If you would like to learn more information about fluoride and fluoride treatments, please contact River Run Dental Spa today located in the Richmond, Virginia area.