Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to a level recommended for preventing cavities. Fluoride has been shown to be vital in preventing tooth decay and ensuring good oral hygiene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers fluoridation of water one of the greatest achievements in public health in the 20th century. Unfortunately, there are many myths regarding its use, particularly in terms of the water supply. With the rise of the Internet as a way to both research and widely spread information (and misinformation), it is not difficult to find misleading and false statements about fluoride. Even though much of this information is not factual, it has raised concerns about the effectiveness and safety of fluoride use. It is critical that people educate themselves to better separate myth from actual fact for the health of their teeth. In this blog post, Dr. Peck would like to address some of the myths and facts about fluoride.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in plants, animals and soils, and is necessary to help build stronger bones and make teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride is found in all water sources throughout the world, including rivers and the oceans.
What are the benefits of fluoridated water?
Community water fluoridation is a cornerstone strategy for prevention of cavities in the U.S. It is a practical, cost-effective, and equitable way for communities to improve their residents’ oral health regardless of age, education, or income.
According to the American Dental Association, the benefits of water fluoridation include:
• Reduces tooth decay
• Prevents loss of teeth
• Reduces dental infection, pain, and suffering
When did water fluoridation begin in the United States?
In the 1940s, scientists discovered that people who lived in places where their drinking water had naturally occurring fluoride levels of approximately 1 part fluoride per million parts water or greater (>1.0 ppm) had fewer dental cavities than people who had lower fluoride levels in their drinking water. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, adjusted the fluoride content of its water supply and became the first city to implement community water fluoridation. By 2008, more than 72 percent of the U.S. population using public water systems had access to fluoridated water.
Fluoride Myths
Myth: People who drink fluoridated water will develop fluorosis.
Fact: Fluorosis, or tooth discoloration, occurs when a person takes in very high amounts of fluoride. In the United States, the amount of fluoride in drinking water comes with a very low likelihood of fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is mostly mild and cosmetic meaning it does not affect tooth function and is not painful.
Myth: Fluoride is dangerous for children.
Fact: Fluoride is not considered a danger to children when used as intended. Drinking fluoridated water not only helps to strengthen teeth as they grow, but it can also help prevent future tooth decay and loss. The American Academy of Family Physicians, the Institute of Medicine and many other respected authorities endorse water fluoridation as safe.
Myth: It is extremely expensive for communities to fluoridate water.
Fact: Adding fluoride to drinking water is considered one of the less expensive ways to prevent tooth decay. It is significantly cheaper than treating the decay after it occurs. Evidence shows that for most cities, every $1 invested in fluoridation saves $38 in unnecessary treatment costs.
Myth: Drinking fluoridated water will cause cancer.
Fact: More than 3,200 studies or reports had been published on the subject of fluoridation. These studies have shown that the addition of fluoride does not increase the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems. It is endorsed as being safe by both the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Myth: Fluoridated water does not have an impact on tooth decay.
Fact: An independent panel of 15 experts from the fields of science and public health reviewed numerous studies and concluded that fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 29%. There have been numerous studies conducted in both the U.S. and in Europe that show that fluoridation helps reduce tooth decay among both adults and children.
Myth: Europe does not allow fluoridated water, which means the U.S. shouldn’t, either.
Fact: Some European countries do have water fluoridation systems in place, other countries such as Italy have naturally higher levels of fluoride. Milk or salt fluoridation are other common methods that are used in Europe and also in Latin America.
Myth: Fluoride is medication that is forced on communities.
Fact: The fluoride that is used to fluoridate water is not a medicine. A U.S. court decision ruled that fluoride is a nutrient and not a medication.
Myth: The risk of autism is increased by fluoride use.
Fact: No evidence from research or study indicates that the risk of autism is elevated because of fluoride or fluoridated water.
Myth: Fluoridated water is not necessary because of the fluoride in toothpaste.
Fact: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the amount of fluoride in toothpaste doesn’t provide the level of protection needed to fight tooth decay. Together, fluoridated water and toothpaste work to provide maximum protection.
Myth: Fluoride is unnatural.
Fact: Certain levels of fluoride can be found naturally in water and other sources. Fluoridation only increases the level of fluoride to one that helps decrease decay.
More than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults.
For more information about the fluoride in the New Braunfels water supply, visit https://www.nbutexas.com/fluoridation/. If you have additional questions about fluoride, ask your health provider or dentist.
