Water fluoridation is the biggest public health advancement of the twentieth century. Fluoride is found naturally in our oceans and soil and it is also concentrated in our saliva. It's added to drinking water at optimal levels at 0.7ppm as mandated by county and state levels. To date 42 states have fluoridated water. Over seventy years of scientific research is behind endorsements by the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the American Dental Association of water fluoridation as the most effective public health measure in the prevention of dental decay. Over 91% of people get cavities, so prevention is key.
How does fluoride work? Fluoride acts by replacing minerals lost by the tooth in the decay process. At safe levels, it aids us in two different modes: ingestion to strengthen our teeth while they grow and in topical applications to accelerate the growth and size of enamel crystals to aid in repair.
So, why fluoride? The primary mineral in the enamel structure is a crystal called hydroxyapatite. When we introduce fluoride, it combines with the calcium and phosphate ions in our saliva to make a mineral that is very similar in structure called fluorapatite, which actually replaces and fills the voids that have been left by decay causing bacteria. Through this process of remineralization, fluoride prevents cavities from forming.
Are there any alternatives to fluoride? Yes, nanohydroxyapatite, which has no known toxicity but actually remineralizes our teeth. It was created by NASA in 1970 for astronaut use during gravity free missions. Since 1980, it has become the gold standard in Japan for cavity prevention and it is also used in Canada.
There are other benefits of nanohydroxyapatite, in addition to cavity prevention. It aids in dry mouth by replacing calcium and phosphate ions found in saliva. It helps with tooth sensitivity because it coats the pores of exposed dentin. Further, it has an antimicrobial action by absorbing the gum disease causing bacteria.
Fluoride is more widely available in the United States and due to the high risk of dental decay, it is advocated by dental professionals. When considering an alternative to fluoride, be sure to discuss your particular dental risk with your dental team and appropriate therapy for good oral health.
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