At Dillon Family Dentistry, we understand that there’s often confusion surrounding fluoride in drinking water. It’s a topic that sparks debate, but it’s also one of the most successful public health initiatives in history. So, is fluoride in water bad for you? And what does it really do for your oral health?

Let’s break it down and clear up the confusion.

Why Fluoride is Key to Oral Health

Adding fluoride to drinking water has been a crucial public health measure since 1945. The recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water is 0.7 parts per million (ppm), which has been shown to reduce dental decay dramatically. This is why fluoride in drinking water is widely considered one of the most effective ways to improve community oral health.

When fluoride is added to drinking water, it helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay, and promotes the remineralization of early-stage cavities. This is essential in preventing more severe dental problems, including infections and abscesses. Strengthening the teeth, it helps prevent costly and painful dental procedures, including fillings and root canals.

The overall result is fewer cavities, less need for fillings, and a reduction in tooth loss. The amount of fluoride in tap water is strictly regulated to ensure it remains within the fluoride drinking water standard set by health authorities.

The Controversy Surrounding Fluoride

Despite its benefits, fluoride in drinking water remains a controversial subject. The primary concern lies in overexposure. While the recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water is safe, the issue arises when there is high fluoride in drinking water. Excessive fluoride levels—often due to improper disposal of industrial waste—can pose health risks. This is why the regulation and monitoring of fluoride levels in drinking water are so crucial.

At Dillon Family Dentistry, we believe that informed patients are empowered to make the best choices for their health. It’s important to note that while fluoride in water at safe levels is beneficial, overexposure is dangerous. This can happen when the amount of fluoride in tap water exceeds the safe standard, but fortunately, this is rare and is usually regulated to ensure safety.

What Happens When Fluoride is Removed from Water?

The impact of removing fluoride from drinking water is real. For example, a recent study conducted in Toronto found that after fluoride was removed from municipal water, cavities in children increased by 51%. This increase in decay was linked to the absence of fluoride’s protective effects on tooth enamel. Over time, the lack of fluoride could lead to even more severe dental issues, including infections and tooth loss.

Adding fluoride to drinking water has proven to be one of the most successful public health measures in history. The fluoride drinking water standard ensures that fluoride levels remain within safe limits to protect the population. If fluoride were to be removed, communities would likely see an increase in dental problems, which could result in a rise in dental emergencies and a strain on healthcare resources.

Fluorosis: Is it Really a Risk?

One of the most common concerns regarding fluoride is fluorosis. Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition that causes staining or, in rare cases, disfigurement of the teeth. However, fluorosis occurs only when a person consumes high fluoride in drinking water or swallows excessive amounts of fluoride from sources like toothpaste.

At the recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water (0.7ppm), the risk of fluorosis is minimal. Fluorosis is generally only a concern in areas where the amount of fluoride in tap water is much higher than the regulated standard. Therefore, as long as fluoride levels remain within the approved limits, there is little risk of developing fluorosis.

It’s essential to note that the fluoride drinking water standard is set with public safety in mind, and cases of fluorosis due to fluoride in drinking water at recommended levels are rare.

Fluoride and Your Oral Care Routine

In addition to drinking fluoridated water, using fluoride toothpaste is another way to protect your teeth from decay. Fluoride toothpaste helps build a stronger defense against cavities and can even reverse early tooth damage. If you’re concerned about fluoride, there are options to adjust your exposure. You can use fluoride-free toothpaste or opt for bottled water, but it’s important to consider the benefits and risks in the context of your overall oral health.

If you’re asking, “Is fluoride in water bad for you?”, the answer is no—when it’s at the recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water. In fact, it’s one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent dental decay, as long as fluoride levels are properly regulated.

Contact Us for More Information

Fluoride is a valuable tool in maintaining good dental health, but we understand that you may have questions. If you’re concerned about the amount of fluoride in drinking water in your area or just want to learn more about how fluoride benefits your oral health, give us a call.At Dillon Family Dentistry, we are here to provide personalized, professional care for all your dental needs. Call us today at 610-981-1997 or visit us in Bryn Mawr to learn more.