Recent news about the mineral fluoride in drinking water has made headlines. To cut through the noise, we turned to the experts to break down what fluoride is, how it works and whether it’s safe.
Featured Experts
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural product mineral found in water and some foods.
What does fluoride do for teeth?
“To prevent cavities and tooth decay, this mineral strengthens tooth enamel (the outermost layer of teeth), making it more resistant to decay caused by bacteria in the mouth,” explains cosmetic dentist Husam Almunajed, DDS of New York. “Furthermore, fluoride prevents tooth decay by inhibiting the activity of bacteria in plaque, reducing their ability to produce acid from sugars, which prevents the breakdown of enamel.”
If tooth decay is caught early enough, fluoride can even reverse a cavity formed by the remineralization of teeth. After it was added to public drinking water in the 1940s to limit tooth decay in children, we saw fewer cavities.
“Studies show that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 25% in children and adults by strengthening enamel and preventing tooth decay,” adds Dr. Almunajed. “This widespread introduction of fluoride into water has contributed to a marked reduction in dental caries (caries) in the US population.”
Do dentists still use fluoride?
“These days, fluoride treatments are designed specifically for our patients,” explains Dr. Almunajed. “Some people are more prone to developing tooth decay – whether it’s their lifestyle, diet, genetics or oral hygiene habits. Thus, fluoride treatments, amounts, and amounts are all tailored to our patients’ needs. Whether you treat in the office, at home, using an over-the-counter toothpaste, or a prescription toothpaste that provides a higher level of fluoride treatment, these available treatments are all used at different levels and doses depending on the patient.”
New York cosmetic dentist Irene Grafman, DDS explains that her practice uses fluoride sparingly. “I use it topically,” says Dr. Grafmann. “It’s used in a varnish that I apply to the surface of the teeth, providing the benefits of fluoride without having to swallow it.
What level of fluoride is dangerous?
High levels of fluoride are considered toxic. In 1986, guidelines from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a maximum allowable concentration 4.0 mg/L fluoride in public drinking water systems to prevent adverse health effects. Most of our water has levels around 0.7 mg/L.
According to the ADA, a 155 pound man should drink approx 120 gallons of fluoridated water to achieve acute toxicity, which is 5 mg/kg body weight.
“Some groups have raised concerns about potential health risks, such as links to bone health or neurological effects,” explains Dr. Almunajed. “However, extensive research by reputable organizations such as the CDC, WHO, and the American Dental Association has found no reliable evidence of harm when fluoride is used at recommended levels.”
“Toxicity is dose-related,” explains the American Dental Association’s page on the bloom. “While large doses of fluoride could be toxic, it is important to recognize the difference between the effect of a massive dose of extremely high level fluoride versus the level of fluoride currently recommended for public water systems. Like many common substances essential to life and good health—salt, iron, vitamins A and D, chlorine, oxygen, and even water itself—fluoride can be toxic in large amounts.
That said, there are dentists who prefer to err on the side of caution. “We have other ways to ensure dental health right now,” explains Dr. Grafman. “If you are concerned about the effect of this mineral on the body, I think you can achieve the same level of oral health without this mineral under the guidance of a qualified dentist.”
Should we get rid of fluoridated water?
Currently, the ADA is not recommending any changes regarding the level of fluoride in our water or dental health products.
