Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical compound that is used in dental care as a way to prevent tooth decay.  There are small amounts of fluoride that occur naturally in drinking water, food, and many other substances that people live with every day. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, and many visits to the dentist will include a fluoride treatment.  In addition to its use in dental products, many communities in Canada adjust the fluoride levels of their drinking water supplies as a way to bolster the oral health of the public.  

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) stands in favor of using fluoride as an essential component of public health and as a way to reduce the harm caused by tooth decay.  Simply put: fluoride results in fewer cavities and lower long-term dental care costs.   

Is Fluoride Safe?

Several decades of peer-reviewed scientific research has demonstrated that fluoride is one of the most essential components of improving the oral health of Canadians during the past 50 years.  Credible scientific research has proved that fluoride is safe and beneficial – the improvements in the health of our teeth far outweigh any risks of using fluoride.

What about Those Who Say Fluoride is Dangerous?

Over the past 60 years, fluoride has proven to reduce tooth decay and cavities.  In recent years, some activist groups have been making some claims about the supposed health risks of fluoride and objecting to the use of fluoride in drinking water.  Many of these fluoride opponents are using suspect research, scare tactics, and arguments that are based on myths and misconceptions.  

Should Children Use Fluoride?

Parents of small children should be careful not to let their children use too much fluoride – when young children swallow too much fluoride, it can cause dental fluorosis, a type of tooth discoloration.  (This is one of the reasons why we teach kids not to swallow their toothpaste.)  Use a specially formulated children’s toothpaste that has a lower amount of fluoride. 

According to the CDA, fluoride in drinking water has not been proven to be the cause of fluorosis – as there are a number of possible causes.  Fluorosis occurs in rare cases and usually only results in minor complications – and again, the consensus among dental health professionals is that the benefits of fluoride far outweigh these rare complications.

Where Can I Get More Information?

The Canadian Dental Association has information called Fluoride FAQs (http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/faqs_resources/faqs/fluoride_faqs.asp)with all of the relevant research, questions and answers about fluoride and dental health.  This is a great resource if you have any concerns about fluoride and want to learn more – it’s a fair, evenhanded look at the issues and the facts.

To book a dental appointment or a free consultation, contact our office today at (416) 751-4290 or click here to request a time.  Also, be sure to join the Warden Eglinton Dental Centre on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with things happening in our practice that effect you and your family’s oral health and wellness!

                                                                    - Dr. Jules Litwin

For more information, visit us at http://www.wedental.ca.