Often referred to as “nature’s cavity fighter”, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, rocks, plants, foods, and the air. With 75% of an average person’s daily fluoride intake coming from meals and beverages with added fluoride, this strong mineral greatly improves oral health by strengthening tooth enamel. However, concerns have arisen regarding fluoride’s overall effect on health, so is it positive for your oral health or not? Below we explain the benefits and risks of fluoride, where it comes from, and how exactly fluoride affects your teeth.

Fluoride Oral Health Benefits

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the average number of missing teeth in American children dipped by 68% from the 1960s through the 1990s following the expansion of fluoride in water and dental products. Fluoride can greatly improve dental health by making your teeth more resistant to decay, it strengthens enamel, and reduces the amount of acid that the bacteria on your teeth produces. Fluoride benefits dental health by strengthening tooth enamel which helps prevent cavities and even reverse early signs of tooth decay. In the context of human health, fluoride is mainly utilized to improve dental health and can be found in common products such as toothpaste, mouth wash, and various supplements.

Fluoride Health Concerns

While no conclusive evidence has been brought forth to conclude any of these health risks, there have been some concerns that fluoride may be linked to a variety of health conditions, including:

• Dental Fluorosis: Affecting children under the age of 8, dental fluorosis occurs when one consumes too much fluoride while teeth are still forming under the gums. Besides the prevalence of white spots developing on the surface of your teeth, dental fluorosis doesn’t cause any additional harm.
• Arthritis, Cancers, Disease, & More: While these claims are mostly conspiratorial, some researchers believe that ingesting excessive fluoride can lead to a low IQ, arthritis, bone cancer, kidney disease, and much more.

Is Fluoride Good for Your Teeth? Conclusion on Fluoride 

To answer the ultimate question, yes, fluoride is one of the best ways you can strengthen your teeth enamel and reduce your risk of cavities. While it’s a mineral that naturally occurs in all water and most foods, dentists have harnessed the power of fluoride for decades to improve the oral health of their patients. It’s important to note that ingesting large quantities of fluoride may be dangerous, most of these beliefs border on conspiratorial and it’s extremely difficult for most people to reach toxic levels of fluoride. To learn more on fluoride, talk with your dental professional to determine whether you should increase your fluoride intake.

Practice Optimal Oral Health with GumChucks

Flossing daily and regular fluoride use is essential to preventing oral health issues. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from between your teeth, flossing regularly also helps keep tartar out of hard-to-reach places. GumChucks’ design ensures a flossing experience that’s faster, easier, and more effective than competing flossers or traditional floss. Our two handles with disposable floss allows you to comfortably reach all your teeth, even those in the back while wrapping the floss around each tooth. This creates the vital “C-Shape” necessary to get below the gum line and effectively clean each tooth.