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Posted on 10/10/2018 by Fairmount Dental Center |
 Drinking water is good for your body, and for your oral health. A dry mouth promotes the growth of harmful bacteria that results in plaque buildup, which can lead to the development of cavities and tooth decay. Toothpaste manufacturers began adding fluoride to their products in the late 1980s when studies indicated the essential supplement was beneficial for the population's oral health. The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan was the first to add fluoride to drinking water in 1945, and the rest of the country followed in the coming years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers this, one of the ten most significant public health achievements of the 20th century, and as of 2012, 25 other countries have adopted the practice. However, according to the available data, the European Union declared there is no benefit in adding fluoride to the water supply because people can get it as a supplement. Why is Fluoridated Water Important for Your Teeth?Fluoride is especially important during a child's growing years. If your children don't drink enough water, they may be lacking vital fluoride to protect their teeth from decay. This is the reason why we recommend bringing your kids in when they are still infants, so we can start monitoring their oral health from an early age.If you live in a community where the water isn't fluoridated, your child could be at a higher risk for cavities. Children will receive a fluoride treatment when they come in for regular checkups. The frequency of these treatments will depend on the condition of their teeth. These treatments consist of brushing fluoride on the patient's teeth and letting it sit for approximately 30-minutes. You don't need to stay in the office for that time, but we ask that the child doesn't rinse their mouth or eat anything for that period. Doing this can help prevent cavities and sometimes it even reverses tooth decay. Drinking municipal tap water that's enriched with fluoride is one of the easiest and safest things you can do for improved oral health at any age. |
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