Fluoride has been a hot topic these past several weeks.
The questions every journalist is asking are: How toxic is fluoride? Is fluoride exposure creating a neurologic deficit, and decreasing our children’s IQ? And is it toxic enough to discontinue its incorporation into public water supply? Will removing fluoride supplements rekindle a public health crisis with dental decay?
Here’s what we know:
- Fluoride can be toxic. Since 1945, fluoride has been added to public water supplies across the country. The initial research showed a concentration of 0.07 milligrams per liter of water to be therapeutic to reduce tooth decay. Greater amounts of fluoride, used over a long period of time, have been shown to create wider-reaching health problems.
- Fluoride is also therapeutic. Studies show in regions where fluoride supplements are introduced to public drinking water, the numbers of cavities are less than comparable regions without the introduction of fluoride.
- Cavities are far too common. Processed and ultra-processed foods are contributing. All carbonated and flavored drinks (like water!) are in greater use, raising the risks. Medical conditions, medications, and compromised self-care routines Are also factors in how decay develops.
- Our army of dental providers is way too small to meet the current demands of patients with cavities.
- Generally, we can take good control of our risks for decay when we are aware and committed.
Here’s my professional opinion:
We don’t have reliable studies underway or even planned for implementation to confirm a current understanding of fluoride risks for kids or adults. Those need to happen before we remove the established public policies about water and fluoride management.
Florida is making a bold and uninformed move to remove fluoride from treated water. And other states could follow. The infrastructure of dental care can’t handle the demands cavities are already placing on the shoulders of our nation’s dentists. Subtracting the supplement isn’t a well-informed decision. The fallout won’t be realized for a number of years, which creates a future challenge for us all.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Let’s work together to prevent restoring teeth with fillings and crowns, and even reduce the chances of removing teeth. Once I intervene to reduce tooth structure, a tooth has a shorter lifespan, and the chances of future restorations on the same tooth is high, which requires more time and money to address later.
- Determine the risk of tooth decay for you and your kids with a thorough evaluation. An interview about use of processed foods and beverages, medications, medical conditions, history of decay, and hygiene routines and supplements can help us decide how to approach risk reduction.
- There are many different non-fluoride solutions to the decay problem. pH neutralizers, hydroxyapatite products, probiotics, antibacterials, diet plans, proper toothbrushes and floss devices are all important tools to put into regular use before fluoride is considered.
- Let’s decide to use topical fluorides – not systemic, ingestible fluorides -when the risk profile is high enough. It’s a case-by-case basis for use in our clinic. Professional applications at cleanings, and consistent, at-home use of a proper concentration of fluoride can be a great asset.
At Lyons Creek Dental Care, we’re here to support you in making informed decisions about your dental health. Whether you’re curious about your own fluoride exposure or want to explore alternative preventive measures, our friendly and knowledgeable team is eager to help.
