The Parkcrest Dental Group knows all about the power of fluoride. From toothpaste to mouthwash, and even most of our drinking water, fluoride is infused in products to help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
However, in the years we’ve been using it, especially since the fluoridation of drinking water, some myths and misconceptions have emerged that have many people concerned about its safety. The Parkcrest Dental Group has some reassurance for you on the safety of fluoride.
What Is Fluoride?
First of all, what is fluoride? Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been found to help reduce cavities and even cut back on the severity of tooth decay.
Fluoride can be found in a lot of natural water sources since it originates from the earth’s crust. Part of the benefit of fluoride is that it contributes to the hardening of tooth enamel, strengthening your teeth.
Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: Fluoride’s History In Dentistry
Why Are People Concerned About Fluoride?
There are a few concerns that people frequently have about fluoride. These are some of the most common that dental professionals at clinics like the Parkcrest Dental Group hear.
Fluoride Doesn’t Occur Naturally in Water
The idea that the fluoridation of drinking water in the US is completely artificial is one of the most pervasive falsehoods.
Fluoride occurs naturally in the water in many places, just not in a high enough concentration, or consistently enough, to produce noticeable benefits to those drinking it. Introducing fluoride to drinking water in the US was a cost-effective and efficient way to prevent tooth decay in many people.
Related Post: General Dentistry Experts Explain Fluoride Rinses
Other Countries Don’t Put Fluoride in Their Water
Once again, the claim that other countries don’t fluoridate their water, or don’t have other ways of providing fluoride to the public, is false. Not only do most toothpastes contain fluoride, but other countries use fluoridation differently for the same result – such as salt fluoridation.
Europe is often cited as somewhere that fluoridated water isn’t used, but this is because Europe is made up of many different countries, and fluoridating water supply would be much harder logistically than in the US.
Fluoride is Poisonous
On the more alarmist end of the spectrum, the Parkcrest Dental Group has noticed an unfortunate number of people who tout that fluoride is poisonous when consumed, making their everyday toothpaste potentially deadly.
While it’s true that the right amount of fluoride is toxic, you’d have to eat a lot of toothpaste to get to that number, since toothpaste typically contains just enough to help the enamel. One of the most common reasons for parents calling poison control is that they’ve discovered their child has eaten toothpaste, and most of the time the result is gastro-intestinal issues.
Obviously, the Parkcrest Dental Group doesn’t recommend you go out of your way to eat your bodyweight in toothpaste, but you can be confident that you’re not brushing your teeth with a tube of poison.
The Parkcrest Dental Group & Professional Experience
At the Parkcrest Dental Group, our team has the experience and education to help you in every aspect of dental care. If you really do have genuine concerns about fluoride, or about anything else relating to general dentistry, oral hygiene, pediatric dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact the Parkcrest Dental Group today.
