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Fluoride plays a critical role in improving both oral and overall health, according to Hugh J. Silk, MD, MPH, a professor of family medicine and community health. Not only does fluoride strengthen teeth and prevent cavities, but it can also act as an equalizer in addressing health disparities in communities. Despite its proven benefits, however, many cities and towns still have not fluoridated their water, and the future of public water fluoridation remains uncertain.
Why Fluoride Matters:
Fluoride is essential for oral health because it strengthens tooth enamel, helping to repair early cavities and prevent further damage. “Fluoride first of all strengthens the outer coating of the tooth, the enamel. If you start to get tiny little holes, that aren’t full cavities, it repairs those,” said Silk. Additionally, fluoride helps eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth that contribute to tooth decay. Bad bacteria convert sugar from food into acid, which then attacks the tooth enamel.
Silk emphasizes that maintaining healthy teeth is crucial not just for aesthetics, but for overall well-being. “The mouth has dramatic effects on the rest of the body,” he said. Infections in the mouth can spread and lead to serious health conditions such as heart infections and joint problems. Additionally, chronic gum disease, like gingivitis and periodontitis, can exacerbate conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
In 2022, Silk and colleagues launched the 100 Million Mouths campaign, aimed at integrating oral health into primary care nationwide. This initiative seeks to train medical professionals to perform oral exams and detect oral cancer early, as someone is diagnosed with oral cancer every 10 minutes in the U.S.
Where Fluoride is Found:
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in water, but in many communities, the levels are too low to have a beneficial impact on dental health. To address this, many cities add fluoride to their public water supply. Studies show that communities with fluoridated water experience fewer cavities and other dental issues compared to those without it.
What to Do If Your Water Isn’t Fluoridated:
For individuals living in areas without fluoridated water, Silk suggests visiting the website IlikeMyTeeth.org, which offers resources on good oral health and addresses common fluoride myths. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children up to age 16 should be prescribed fluoride by healthcare providers, starting with fluoride drops and later transitioning to chewable tablets. Fluoride varnish, a coating applied to children’s teeth, is also an effective tool for preventing dental issues.
Fluoride’s Risks and Benefits:
Despite its benefits, there are critics of fluoridating public water, with some studies suggesting a link between fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children. However, Silk points out that these studies often lack reliability due to issues like extreme fluoride levels in water (up to three times higher than allowed in the U.S.) and the absence of controls for other environmental factors. He stresses that the IlikeMyTeeth.org website offers a deeper analysis of these critiques.
Public health data suggests that the benefits of fluoride far outweigh the risks. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that every $1 invested in water fluoridation results in $32 in dental treatment cost savings for cities.
Silk also highlights the role fluoride plays in promoting health equity. “When we do things like put fluoride in the water, we make it so that everybody is getting access to something that’s going to help prevent a problem, as opposed to only those who can afford to go to the dentist or who can afford toothpaste.”
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations regarding oral health and fluoride use.
