The Truth About Fluoride

Understanding The Truth About Fluoride

Recently, there have been some concerns about the effects of fluoride in the media. There are those outside the dental community who claim that fluoride has negative effects on the body.

Some go so far as to say that fluoride is toxic or poisonous, and nothing could be further from the truth. At Redmond Art of Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Bickel uses fluoride treatments to help strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay in patients young and old.

Learn more about fluoride, what it can do for your oral health and how it got a bad reputation.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is an inorganic compound that occurs naturally in a wide variety of minerals on Earth, including fluorite.

In the 1940s, it was discovered that fluoride could help reduce the rate of tooth decay and prevent cavities, and cities around America began the process of fluoridation – adding small amounts of fluoride to their water supplies in order to help prevent tooth decay.

Fluoride is also used in a variety of dental products, such as mouthwash, toothpaste, and even some varieties of dental floss.

When consumed in small quantities and used according to ADA fluoride guidelines, it’s completely safe, and has no adverse effects.

How Does Fluoride Prevent Tooth Decay?

A compound in fluoride helps reduce the rate of tooth decay when present in saliva. It discourages demineralization, the loss of enamel due to tooth decay, and encourages remineralization, which helps strengthen teeth.

Fluoride is safe, effective and one of the best ways to fight tooth decay in adults and children.

Why Do Some People Think Fluoride Is Harmful?

Despite the fact that fluoride is safe to use, there are those who think that using fluoride products and drinking fluoridated water is harmful. This opinion can be traced back to a variety of conspiracy theories – none of which are grounded in scientific fact.

Misinformation, conspiracy theories, and scientists who ignore the evidence of fluoride’s benefits are the primary cause of the myth that fluoride is harmful.

Excessive consumption of fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis, which can discolor teeth slightly and cause mineral buildup.

However, fluorosis does not compromise the structural integrity of teeth, and it does not happen under normal circumstances. If fluoridated products are used correctly, fluorosis won’t occur.

Redmond Art Of Dentistry – Using Fluoride Treatments With Pride!

As a leading dentist in Redmond, Dr. Bickel is pro-fluoride.

The benefits of fluoride treatment for adult and child dental cleanings has been proven by dozens of publications over the years, among pediatric dentistry and general dentistry practices alike.

So don’t fear fluoride. If you still have questions about fluoride treatments, feel free to ask Dr. Bickel during your next appointment! Call us today at (425) 883-1331, or come to our offices in Redmond at 16455 NE 85th St #101, Redmond, WA 98052.