Fluoride Benefits

Many of us wonder what the benefits of fluoride are. Fluoride is one of the earth's most common compounds and naturally exists in water, but the fluoride is too low to replace proper dental care. For more than 70 years cities have included fluoride into their water supply because it is the easiest way to help people who may not visit the dentist regularly. Smaller communities with their own water supply take fluoride supplements because fluoride protects the teeth from tooth decay. The supplements are available as liquids for younger children, tablets for older children, and fluoride is in many foods. Adding proper levels of fluoride to water is the same as fortifying other foods and drinks, such as salt and iodine, milk and vitamin D, orange juice and …show more content…
It also helps prevent dental disease, loss of teeth, time away from work or school, and anesthesia-related risks associated with dental treatment. Babies and children need fluoride to strengthen their growing teeth and when given small amounts of fluoride it doesn't harm their health. This process starts with teaching children to brush correctly and spit out instead of swallowing. Fluoride protects the teeth because tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in children and affects their ability to sleep, speak, learn and grow. Along with brushing twice a day children and adults should drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste, and use a mouthwash containing fluoride. Your teeth will grow stronger, resist tooth decay, and lessen cavities when you use fluoride. Low amounts of fluoride in over-the-counter mouthwash; however, you can get a higher concentrate prescription mouth rinse from your dentist. In addition to people eating or drinking fluoride, you can have a fluoride treatment performed by a dentist. The fluoride treatments applied as a gel, foam or varnish and are strong enough to