Fluoride

Fluoride is a known mineral that is added to many public water supplies in order to help prevent tooth decay, which has been in use for more than seventy years and is endorsed by the world health organisation and the centre for disease control and prevention. When added to water, fluoride can assist to strengthen tooth enamel and proposed to make the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth, which aids in preventing cavities and tooth decay.  Fluoride is also found in naturally occurring water sources, although the levels can vary widely depending on the location and environmental conditions surrounding the area. While fluoride has been stated to be generally safe at the levels typically found in drinking water, there are concerns about its safety and effectiveness, potentially causing negative health effects to the human body, particularly in young children. One concern is that it may cause dental fluorosis, a condition that affects the appearance of teeth and can lead to weakened tooth enamel, various others being increased risk of bone fractures, fertility, early puberty and thyroid and cognitive problems.

Some countries, towns and people object to fluoride being added to their water supply and have even banned it on the basis of personal or individual choice or the community’s health and well-being. Fluoride used in our dental industry is purified sodium fluoride as opposed to hydrofluorosilic acid which is used in our water supply and known to be dangerous if consumed. Either way, it is important to note that prior to making a decision, that the benefits and risks of fluoride in water do vary depending on the health experts and studies conducted in the communities and around the world at the time.