Commonly referred to as nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride is one of the main ingredients for different dental products, including toothpaste, mouthwash, water, and medical drops and tablets for children. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in food and water. Apart from making dental products, this mineral has several other benefits. When added to water, fluoride helps to strengthen and harden your enamel.
For instance, it is known to strengthen bone density and protect teeth from cavities and decay. However, there are a lot of myths regarding the use of fluoride, especially in water and dental products. This article will help you to separate myths from facts.
Myth: Fluoridated water causes fluorosis.
Fact: Fluorosis will only occur when you consume high levels of fluoride. Fortunately, the amount of fluoride added to drinking water in the United States is very little. Therefore, it is less likely to cause fluorosis.
Myth: Fluoride is unsafe for kids.
Fact: Fluoride is not dangerous to children when used properly. Fluoridated water helps to strengthen your kids’ teeth as they grow and prevent future decay.
Myth: It’s very costly to fluoridate water in the community.
Fact: Compared to the cost of treating tooth decay and loss, the cost of adding fluoride to drinking water is very low. It is the cheapest way to keep your teeth looking strong and healthy.
Myth: Consumption of fluoridated water causes cancer.
Fact: Studies have shown that consumption of fluoridated water doesn’t increase the risk of cancer and other health problems, such as kidney problems, diabetes, and heart diseases. Furthermore, the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians have ratified fluoridated water as safe.
Myth: Fluoridated drinking water doesn’t prevent tooth decay.
Fact: Numerous studies done in the United States and Europe have revealed that drinking fluoridated water helps to reduce tooth decay in children and adults.
Myth: Europe doesn’t allow water fluoridation, and therefore the U.S. shouldn’t allow it.
Fact: Europe has very stringent water fluoridation systems, including salt fluoridation, which is also very common in Latin America.
Myth: Fluoride is a type of medication that is being forced on people.
Fact: The type of fluoride added to drinking water is not medicine. An American court once ruled that the type of fluoride used in drinking water is a nutrient, not a medicine.
Myth: Fluoridated water increases the risk of autism.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to prove that drinking fluoridated water increases the risk of autism.
If you want to learn more about fluoride and fluoridated water, get in touch with India Hook immediately.
