Benefits of Fluoride in Drinking Water

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, even more prevalent than asthma. This dental issue can significantly affect a child's ability to eat, sleep, learn and socialize. The good news is that tooth decay is largely preventable with simple strategies that can protect children's health and well-being.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars from food and produce acids. These acids can dissolve the hard enamel surfaces of teeth, leading to cavities and other dental problems. It's a process that starts small but can grow into bigger issues if not managed properly.

The great news is that preventing tooth decay is possible with a few proven strategies. One of the most effective and cost-efficient methods to protect both children and adults is the addition of fluoride to community drinking water. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes water fluoridation as one of the "10 great public health achievements of the 20th century."

How Does Fluoride Protect Teeth?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, soil, and water. It helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening teeth and making them more resistant to the acids that cause cavities. Fluoride also aids in slowing down or even halting the decay process, giving teeth a better chance to remineralize and stay healthy.

When fluoride levels in community water are maintained at optimal levels, it provides an extra layer of protection for teeth. This process, known as fluoridation, is widely used in many communities to promote dental health, especially for children who are at higher risk of developing cavities.

However, it’s important to note that if your child drinks bottled water that contains low or no fluoride, their risk for tooth decay may increase. If your household uses well water or a private water source, your dentist may recommend testing the water's fluoride levels to check fluoride intake.

Other Sources of Fluoride

In addition to fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste is an essential source of fluoride for children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends parents begin brushing their child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.

For children under three years of age, use a small, rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. For children ages three to six, a pea-sized amount is appropriate. It's important for parents to supervise young children while brushing to ensure they don’t swallow excessive toothpaste and to help them learn proper brushing techniques.

Fluoride mouth rinses are another option for protecting teeth, though they are not recommended for children under age six. Younger children may not have the ability to swish and spit the rinse properly, which could increase the risk of swallowing too much fluoride.

Additional Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay

Along with fluoride, there are other ways to help prevent cavities and keep children's teeth healthy:

• Limit sugar consumption: Reducing sugary foods and drinks is key to preventing tooth decay, especially reducing how often your child consumes sugar.
• Choose sugar-free beverages: Opting for water, milk, or other sugar-free drinks reduces the risk of cavities.
• Regular dentist visits: Children should have their first dental visit by age one and continue with regular check-ups to monitor their dental health.
• Dental sealants: These are protective coatings that are applied to the teeth to help prevent cavities, especially in the back molars.