Why Fluoridated Water is Beneficial

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Did you know that the majority of public water systems in the United States are fluoridated? It’s true! Drinking fluoridated water is beneficial because it helps fight tooth decay and prevent it in the future. Water that has been fortified with fluoride is like fortifying milk with vitamin D and breakfast cereals with folic acid because it is just enhancing what is already there.

Studies have shown that children had about 3 times as many cavities before water fluoridation became wide-spread. The wide-spread fluoridation is known as one of the top public health initiatives because of how beneficial it is for oral health. Some of the main benefits of fluoridated water are:

– Tooth Decay Prevention: Fluoridated water especially helps to prevent cavities and other types of tooth decay in children. It is estimated that around 50 million school hours are lost each year due to dental visits and related illnesses.

– Cavity Prevention in People of All Ages: Studies have shown that the fluoride present in community water systems is responsible for the prevention of at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults. This is amazing because fluoride is available in so many other products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, and fluoridated water still has such a huge impact.

– It is Safe and Effective: Many studies of the effectiveness and safety of fluoridated water have been done, and they have conclusively shown that it is safe. This initiative has been endorsed by many of the United States’ Surgeon Generals and over 100 health organizations including the ADA (American Dental Association).

– It’s a Money Saver: The cost of treating any oral ailments can be significant, which is why prevention is the ideal. For most cities, every one dollar invested in water fluoridation save 38 dollars in dental treatments. Who’s to say what your dental costs would be like if water fluoridation did not exist?

– It’s Natural: it might surprise you to find that fluoride is found naturally in groundwater and oceans. Adding fluoride to water is merely done to adjust to recommended levels for preventing tooth decay.

As you can see, the benefits of fluoridated water are numerous. If you are concerned that your teeth may need to be exposed to more fluoride, please call at 770-429-0955 to schedule an oral exam with our dentists, Dr. Lisa Kirshenbaum. Despite the benefits of fluoride in water, it is important to get regular dental check-ups and to maintain a good oral health routine, so come see us at Dental Excellence of Kennesaw, in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!