Fluoride In Our Daily Lives

Fluoride

• Fluoride compounds are salts that form when the element, fluorine, combines with minerals in soil or rocks.
• Many communities add fluoride to their drinking water to promote dental health.

Fluoride In Products

• Fewer cavities and less severe cavities.
• Less need for fillings and tooth extractions.
• Less pain and suffering associated with tooth decay.

Health Effects From Fluoride

• Exposure to excessive consumption of fluoride over a lifetime may lead to increased likelihood of bone fractures in adults, and may result in effects on bone leading to pain and tenderness.
• Children aged 8 years and younger exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride have an increased chance of developing pits in the tooth enamel, along with a range of cosmetic effects to teeth.

Community Water Fluoridation

• Almost all water contains some naturally occurring fluoride, but usually at levels too low to prevent tooth decay.
• Many communities choose to adjust the fluoride concentration in the water supply to a level beneficial to reduce tooth decay and promote good oral health.