Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in food and water, and it has been the center of a great deal of controversy since it began to be used in dentistry in 1914, and especially when cities began adding it to municipal water supplies starting in 1945. While this humble mineral has been shown to strengthen teeth and reduce the occurrence of cavities, many people believe that it is harmful.
In the interest of separating fact from myth, the team at American Dental would like to tell you more about fluoride, how it is used in dentistry, and clear up any confusion about the harm it may present. American Dental, the best children’s dentist in Chicago, can help you today!
History of Fluoride Use in Dentistry
The story of fluoride in dentistry begins in the early 1900s, when a dentist named Frederick McKay was searching for the cause of the severe tooth discoloration that existed in the community where he practiced, and in a few other communities around the country. Through his early work and the efforts of subsequent researchers, it was found that fluoride in drinking water was capable of bonding with tooth enamel, and that teeth that had bonded with fluoride were incredibly resistant to decay. While the high levels of fluoride found in these early studies did cause discoloration of the teeth, dental scientists hypothesized that, at a specific level of fluoridation, patients could realize the benefits of fluoride without experiencing discoloration.
That hypothesis was put to the test in 1945, when fluoride was first added to the water supply of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Over the next decade, researchers monitored the rate of tooth decay in the city, finding that it had dropped more than 60 percent after the water was fluoridated. After the study was completed, cities all over America began adding fluoride to their water supplies, toothpaste companies began adding it to their products, and dentists began using fluoride to treat their patients.
What Is Fluoride Made Of?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral made up of the element fluorine combined with other elements such as calcium, sodium, or hydrogen. In nature, fluoride is found in small amounts in water, soil, plants, and even some foods. When added to public water supplies or dental products, fluoride usually comes in the form of compounds like sodium fluoride, fluorosilicic acid, or sodium fluorosilicate.
These compounds release fluoride ions, which help strengthen tooth enamel by making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. This process helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. The forms of fluoride used in water fluoridation and dental care are carefully regulated and tested for safety, ensuring they provide dental benefits without harmful effects.
Can Fluoride Harm You?
Critics of fluoride have made a range of claims about the mineral, inferring that it causes cancer and other issues, that it causes a condition called fluorosis, and that its consumption causes people to become passive and easily controlled. Only one of these claims has any validity.
Fluorosis is a condition that causes streaking and discoloration of the teeth. This is a very real condition that is caused by overconsumption of fluoride; in fact, it was the very condition that Frederick McKay sought to cure. Through his research and the work of others, it was determined that too much fluoride exposure, especially in the first 8 years of life, could cause the teeth to become stained. While fluorosis is certainly a concern, the levels of fluoride found in drinking water, toothpaste, and dental treatments are not nearly high enough to cause it. Fluorosis is also a purely cosmetic condition that does not harm the teeth or the body in any way.
As for other claims, they don’t hold water. The link between fluoride and cancers, and specifically the rare childhood cancer osteosarcoma, has not been conclusively established despite numerous studies on the subject. In addition, there has been no causal link found between fluoridated water and the development of autism or other conditions.
Addressing Concerns About Fluoride
Some critics have claimed that fluoride in water could be used for mind control or large-scale pacification. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Very little research has explored this theory, and the studies that do exist are often questioned for their validity. The vast majority of healthcare professionals and dental experts agree that fluoride does not have any psychotropic effects and cannot influence the mind in such ways.
When it comes to dental health, the benefits of fluoride far outweigh any minimal risks. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste, and professional fluoride treatments are all proven to significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay—a major oral health concern. We want to reassure you that consuming fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste is safe, and regular fluoride treatments recommended by your dentist help keep your tooth enamel strong and healthy for life. Learn more from the best dentist in River West, Chicago.
How Fluoride Prevents Tooth Decay—and Why It Sometimes Doesn’t
Fluoride is well-known for its ability to prevent tooth decay, making it a key component in dental care worldwide. It works primarily by strengthening tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. When fluoride is present, it helps rebuild weakened enamel through a process called remineralization. It also makes the enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth, which are the main causes of cavities. Additionally, fluoride can slow down the growth of harmful bacteria, reducing their ability to produce decay-causing acids.
Despite its benefits, fluoride is not a cure-all. Tooth decay can still occur if oral hygiene habits are poor or if fluoride exposure is insufficient. For example, if you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and food particles remain on your teeth, providing fuel for bacteria. Also, a diet high in sugary or acidic foods and drinks can overwhelm fluoride’s protective effects. People with dry mouth conditions or other health issues may be more vulnerable to decay despite fluoride use.
In some rare cases, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition affecting the appearance of enamel, though it doesn’t cause decay. Overall, fluoride is highly effective in reducing cavities when combined with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Regular dental visits ensure that fluoride treatments and daily care work together to keep your smile healthy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evidence is clear: fluoride is a safe and effective mineral that plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay and promoting oral health. While concerns and myths about its use have circulated over the years, scientific research and decades of practical application confirm that fluoride benefits far outweigh any minimal risks. Proper fluoride use—in water, toothpaste, and dental treatments—helps strengthen enamel, reduce cavities, and support a healthy smile throughout life.
At American Dental, we encourage you to rely on trusted dental professionals and credible information when making decisions about fluoride. By combining fluoride with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, you are taking the best possible steps toward maintaining a healthy mouth and overall well-being for years to come. Schedule an appointment today!