Why Fluoride Is Important For Teeth Whitening Toothpastes (And Even Water!)
In today’s society, more and more people are taking a proactive approach to ensuring that they stay healthy. That includes looking more closely at the chemicals that they use every day.
When examining the way we use chemicals in society, one question that comes up on a fairly regular basis is about fluoride. Fluoride is used in a variety of products, including toothpastes.
Since the 1940s, fluoride has also been added to municipal water supplies around the United States. The first city to do so was Grand Rapids, Michigan, all the way back in 1945.
Although fluoride was added to water intentionally, this doesn’t mean there was no fluoride in water supplies before. The decision to move toward fluoridated water was based on a study that showed high concentrations of it in water was correlated with healthier teeth.
Today, odds are good that you are in an area that fluoridates its water, although there are some rural communities and areas of the United States where this is not the case. Overall, about 64{3b0f9398becb40f4bdd8fe95c600d2c252c33730296b97da1b334948809cb5c4} of people in the United States have fluoridated water.
All in all, it has been amply shown that fluoride provides tremendous benefits. Not only is it used in water, but also as a principal ingredient in virtually all toothpastes.
What Are The Benefits Of Fluoride In Water?
Research from the Centers for Disease Control has shown that every dollar spent adding fluoride to water helps to save more than $30 that would otherwise be spent on treatment of dental issues.
The same source tells us that fluoridated water is associated with an overall 25{3b0f9398becb40f4bdd8fe95c600d2c252c33730296b97da1b334948809cb5c4} reduction in tooth decay throughout the course of a person’s life. That can add up to many cavities!
Fluoride helps to protect people who may not have the money for intensive dental treatment and support their overall dental health in coordination with regular brushing and flossing.
Of course, there are some concerns about fluoride. Over time, the federal government has revised the amount of fluoride it believes people should receive, reducing the overall amount.
Far from being a major oversight, however, this simply reflects the fact that fluoride is now available from a wide variety of sources, including toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Don’t Rely On Fluoride Alone: Let Us Help
The introduction of fluoride into drinking water has been a major public health triumph, but it isn’t enough on its own.
To get personalized, professional dental health care, call Community Dental Group today. Whether you’re in Newbury Park, Westlake Village, or Thousand Oaks, we can help you!