There are hundreds of different types of toothpaste on the market, but not all of them have the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. To achieve this recognition, the toothpaste must have fluoride as its active ingredient. Fluoride acts as a cleaning agent and can also help reduce decay. In a widespread effort to improve the dental hygiene of Americans, fluoride was even added to drinking water. But what exactly is fluoride and why is it so important?
The Origin of Fluoridated Water
People have mixed emotions when they learn that the water they drink has been fluoridated. Why? When? How? It all started at the beginning of the 20th century in Colorado Springs, CO. During this time, dentists noticed that their patients had browning teeth, but they weren’t decaying. This led to the origination of the “Colorado Brown Stain,” which turned out to be a condition we now call fluorosis. Fluorosis occurs when an excess amount of fluoride is being consumed and your teeth are over exposed. Those experiencing “Colorado Brown Stain” were simply getting too much fluoride.
Since this discovery led dentists to uncover the impact of fluoride on teeth, they began to do some tests. They wanted to see if less fluoride would help their patient’s teeth without leaving behind the unsightly brown stains. They were successful in their endeavors and fluoridated water spread through the U.S. In Grand Rapids, MI, these efforts decreased childhood cavities by 60% and were met with no serious adverse effects.
Today, over half of the U.S. is supplied with fluoridated water. According to the CDC, this is one of the greatest public health achievements in the last 100 years and continues to benefit everyone.
What Does Fluoride do, Exactly?
To better understand why fluoridated water is considered such an achievement, it’s important to know what fluoride actually does. Fluoride is considered one of the raw materials required to rebuild enamel. When you brush your teeth with a fluoride-based toothpaste, you can increase remineralization. Since our teeth are constantly undergoing a process of remineralization and demineralization, fluoride helps ensure that decay doesn’t win. With a combination of fluoride-based toothpaste and fluoridated water, your teeth become even stronger.
However, there is too much of a good thing—as we saw with the cases of “Colorado Brown Stain.” To make sure that you avoid too much fluoride, it’s important to spit your toothpaste out after brushing and avoid drinking water with excessive parts per million of fluoride. On the other hand, avoiding fluoride completely leaves your teeth vulnerable and more likely to decay.
If you’re still unsure about how fluoride can benefit your dental health, contact the professionals at Artistic Dental today. Our professional cleaning technicians and dentists have all of the information you need to keep your smile happy and healthy. For all of your dental hygiene needs, call Artistic Dental today at 602-840-5400.