Does Fluoride Help Your Teeth?

Fluoride is undoubtedly a hotly contested topic. The parties in favor of it say that it works well in stopping tooth decay, strengthening the enamel, and lowering risk of the cavity. In contrast, the parties against it describe that it causes lower IQ, weakened teeth as well as numerous health concerns. So who should you believe?

Read on to understand what fluoride is, its benefits as well as its disadvantages.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is generally a mineral that occurs naturally on the crust if the Earth as well as in some foods and water supplies. Initially, some scientists in the 1930’s identified that individuals who regularly drank fluoridated water had lesser cases of cavities (2/3 less) than the rest of the individuals not using it. Since then, research has consistently backed up this claim not to mention indicating that it reduces the chance of having tooth decay

How It Works:

Fluoride works in several ways to help prevent cavities. As a first, it helps in hardening enamel on both adult and baby teeth after their emergence. Also, fluoride works in the mineralization procedures, procedures that occur naturally in your mouth. After eating, your saliva comprises acids which inspire mineralization under the surface of the tooth, dissolving the phosphorus and calcium which otherwise maintain the hardness of your teeth.

Fluoride works by replenishing the phosphorus and calcium which keep the teeth hard. Minerals deposited when fluoride is present are subsequently harder than they otherwise would be. This, in turn, helps strengthen your teeth as well as reduce the effects of any acidic foods.

Pros

• Fluoride strengthens the teeth enamel.

• It also helps prevent numerous dental maladies like cavities, tooth decay, as well as diseases which result in tooth loss.

• Fluoride generally increases bone density

• It is more affordable and cost-effective compared to the overall dental care costs that come with filling cavities.

Cons

• Several studies have outlined that fluoride might result in the weakening of the bones and perhaps connective tissues within the joints.

• Excess use of fluoride can cause a medical condition known as fluorosis, which is mainly cosmetic. Fluorosis stains the teeth and gives them an unattractive brown color although it results in no detrimental physical conditions.

• According to research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, fluoride-damaged teeth could be associated with both behavioral and psychological issues.

• Fluoride can also play a part in several protein-intolerance and protein digestion issues and is also linked to abdominal and stomach discomforts like indigestion and cramps

It is commonly believed that numerous individuals suffer from mysterious and persistent stomach maladies linked with fluoride although only a select few tie the dots between their discomfort and their water. Fluoride proponents contend that the overall amount of fluoride required to inspire these adverse effects is relatively higher than the concentrations that are present in fluoridation.  But we must realize that most of us do not get excessive amounts of fluoride in our water and household products and most of the cons are extreme cases.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the known advantages of fluoridation significantly outweigh the alleged adverse effects. Fluoride assists numerous adults and children alike, to not only maintain better oral health but also reduce their risk of tooth decay.