Almost everyone has probably turned on their kitchen faucet a few times only to see light colored water coming out. The white substance that looks like a powder is usually fluoride which is added to water at times to help with the condition of the teeth. Flouride comes from fluorine and is a substance that naturally occurs in soil, water, and certain foods.
So is the light colored water coming out of the faucet safe? Shockingly NO! Flouride is one of the byproducts of phosphorous fertilizer and is toxic to the body. However, fluoride does offer benefits to that of the teeth. Regularly administered doses of fluoride by a dental professional will ensure that the teeth remain in great condition.
They have been fluoridating the water since the year 1945 because studies had continually shown that adding fluoride to water in low-level fluoride areas reduced the prevalence of tooth decay for the people living there.
This move was thought necessary since tooth decay has been since time immemorial, one of the most distressing health problems affecting children.
Despite the once thought of benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water, genuine concerns are arising as to the effects of the substance on people’s health. While there are only disadvantages to ingesting fluoride through water consumption, the only proven benefits that fluoride does provide is to that of the teeth's condition. Fluoride keeps the teeth in great shape by cleansing it of bacteria, plaque and other harmful things that may cause the teeth to deteriorate otherwise.
When they add fluoride to the water, some of the risks include;
Exposure to high amounts of fluoride as a child can result in mild fluorosis, characterized by white streaks on the tooth enamel. The tooth’s health may not be affected, but the discoloration is usually noticeable.
This can be prevented by breastfeeding children and also giving them fluoride-free water. Do not share the fluoridated mouthwash with a child either unless they are above the age of 6.
Excessive fluoride exposure could lead to a bone disease known as skeletal fluorosis. This condition is serious enough to cause lasting pain and permanent damage to bones and joints.
Excess fluoride can damage your parathyroid gland resulting in hyperparathyroidism. This condition involves the uncontrolled secretion of parathyroid hormones. This precipitates the reduction of calcium in bone structures making them more vulnerable to fractures.
Although fluoride can provide disadvantages to the overall health, if it is used properly then it can provide a great benefit to that of the teeth. The teeth need fluoride in order to be properly cleansed and maintain in great looking shape.
Fluoride is often used at a dentist's office in order to restore the enamel of the teeth. A gel-like substance is set on the teeth for a few minutes in order to remove bacteria and built-up plaque.
If you still have questions regarding the use of fluoride, then give us a call today. Our trained office staff can offer up help in any way that we can.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 200-3679 for an appointment in our Carmel office.
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