Why Fluoride Is Important
Water fluoridation has been named one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is according to research that has been performed for over 70 years on the effects of fluoridated water. The research has been overwhelming and consistent regarding the fact that fluoridated community water is both safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay has been decreased by at least 25 percent in both children and adults who drink fluoridated water. Fluoridated water as a public health benefit is recognized by over 100 national and international organizations.
How Fluoride Works
Dental caries, also referred to as tooth decay or cavities, can be considered epidemic in the United States and around the world. Hence, fluoride was added to community water in order to combat this problem. Your mouth contains bacteria, both good and bad, but the bad bacteria feed on the sugars left over from the foods we eat and beverages that we drink. As the bacteria metabolize the sugar, harmful acids are produced that eat away at the enamel that protects your teeth leading to tooth decay.
Tooth decay begins with the demineralization of your tooth enamel which means the enamel loses calcium and phosphates. Fluoride contains both calcium and phosphate. Therefore, it remineralizes your enamel, healing it, or reversing early signs of decay, as well as strengthening it and making it more resistant to decay.
Bottled Water
Now that bottled water has become all the rage, people are not getting the fluoride to protect their teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in all natural water sources, but usually not in an amount that will benefit your tooth enamel. However, if your public water supply is fluoridated, you are getting the optimal amount of fluoride according to strict standards set by the EPA.