Fluoride has become a controversial topic. Here are some quick facts about fluoride:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls fluoridation one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Water fluoridation reduces cavities by at least 25%.
Fluoridated water began in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945. A 15-year study of 30,000 children in Grand Rapids was conducted to reveal results of fluoridation. Results of the study: decay in children born after fluoridation was reduced 60%.
Studies on fluoride for 60 years have consistently indicated that fluoridation is safe and effective. It is the most efficient way to prevent one of the most common childhood diseases – tooth decay. Tooth decay is 5 times as common as asthma and 7 times common as hay fever.
Most bottled water does not have enough fluoride to help prevent cavities.
Nearly all tap water contains some fluoride, but can range from 0.2 mg/L fluoride to 2.0 mg/L fluoride.
Approximately 70% of all public water systme are optimally fluoridated (between 0.7 and 1.2 mg/L fluoride.
Every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves communities $38 in dental treatment costs.
Most home water filtration systems do not remove fluoride.
Water filtration by reverse osmosis and distillation does remove fluoride.
Water fluoridation is considered safe and affective by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy o fPediatrics, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and the American Dental Association.
Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic condition in which injesting too much fluoride before age 8 causes white spots on the enamel.
The best source for information about your home water supply is your water utility.
Love your smile,
Dr. Cook
Sources: The American Dental Association, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health.