Do you fear fluoride? Do you wonder about the controversy surrounding the use of fluoride in municipal water supplies? Do you wonder if it’s safe? The use of fluoride in municipal water supplies and dental products has been a topic of controversy for years. People question its safety and whether or not it has adverse health effects on children and adults. If you are interested in learning more about fluoride, take our true or false quiz below and find out whether or not you should fear fluoride use.
True Or False?
- True or False: Fluoride is a natural mineral found in nearly all water supplies.
- True or False: Fluoride has been proven to help reduce tooth decay.
- True or False: Fluoride is toxic, especially to small children.
Answers:
- True: Fluoride is a natural mineral found in nearly all natural fresh water supplies including spring water, lake water, river water, and the ocean. However, the levels of fluoride in nature are very low around 0.05 ppm (parts per million), while the levels added to municipal water supplies vary from 0.7 to 1.2 ppm.
- True: The use of fluoride in municipal water supplies has been studied since the 1950’s and has been proven to reduce the amount of decay in children’s teeth by as much as 60 percent. The optimal levels to help reduce decay have been shown to be from 7 to 1.2 ppm.
- False: The ADA has endorsed the fluoridation of community water supplies as safe, effective, and necessary in preventing tooth decay since 1950. The American Academy of Family Physicians, the Institute of Medicine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also approved the use of fluoride as a safe and effective way to fight childhood tooth decay. Numerous research studies have been conducted over the years analyzing the safety and effectiveness of fluoride for children and adults. No connection has been found between the use of fluoride and cancer, multiple sclerosis, or any other childhood or adult disease.
ABOUT YOUR FARMINGTON HILLS DENTIST:
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with one of the experts at the Comfort Dental Group, then contact us today by calling our office at (248) 474-6434. We welcome patients living in and around Farmington Hills, Livonia, Novi, Northville, Westland, and Dearborn Heights.