For decades, fluoride has
been held in high regard by the dental community as an important mineral that
is absorbed into and strengthens
tooth enamel, thereby helping to prevent decay of tooth structures.

In nearly every U.S. community, public drinking supplies are
supplemented with sodium fluoride because the practice is acknowledged as safe
and effective in fighting cavities.

Some private wells may contain naturally fluoridated water.

What
Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which can found
throughout nature in water, soil, air and food.  By adding fluoride into
our drinking water, it can be absorbed easily into tooth enamel, especially in
children’s growing teeth, which helps to reduce tooth decay.

Why
Is Fluoride Important To Teeth?

Fluoride is absorbed into structures, such as bones and teeth,
making them stronger and more resistant to fractures and decay. A process in
your body called “remineralization” uses fluoride to repair damage caused by
decay.

How
Do I Get Fluoride?

Just drinking public water will provide a certain measure of
fluoride protection. But for years, health professionals have endorsed the
practice of supplementing our intake with certain dietary products, and topical
fluorides in many toothpastes and some kinds of rinses. Certain beverages such
as tea and soda may also contain fluoride. Certain kinds of dental varnishes
and gels may also be applied directly to teeth to boost fluoride intake.

Fluoride
Safety

It is generally NOT safe to swallow toothpastes, rinses, or
other products containing topical fluoride. In rare cases, some people may be
overexposed to high concentrations of fluoride, resulting in a relatively
harmless condition called fluorosis, which leaves dark enamel stains on teeth.