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dental : Fluoride! |
 Fluoride!It’s hard to think of healthy teeth without thinking about fluoride. Ever since it was introduced into our drinking water more than thirty years ago, fluoride has been synonymous with brighter smiles. Study after study has shown that fluoride can safely prevent cavities and strengthen teeth no matter how old you are. Every dollar invested in fluoride saves over eighty dollars in dental treatment.
Even though scientific consensus has never linked water fluoridation to negative health effects, there’s some concern that we could be getting too much fluoride. Like many other natural substances such as vitamins, salt and iron, very high concentrations of fluoride can be harmful. Too much fluoride, especially for children, can cause fluorosis, a harmless white mottling or flecking on teeth. Although fluorosis is not a health concern, it’s probably a sign of ingesting too much fluoride. The most common reason is toothpaste swallowing. That’s why it’s important to monitor the amount of toothpaste young children use – a pea-sized squirt is all they need.
The amount of fluoride added to your city or town water supply is carefully monitored; it’s much lower than the level of fluoride that naturally occurs in some drinking water. It’s important to remember that more than 300 million people in more than forty countries have enjoyed the health benefits of fluoride for decades. No other public health measure has a better safety record. That’s a pretty impressive fact!
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