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Fluoride – Topical and Systemic Treatments

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Fluoride is one of the most abundant and chemically reactive elements on earth.  Many foods (including certain teas, red wines, meat, fish, eggs and cheeses) contain high amounts of fluoride.  Everyone ingests at least trace amounts of fluoride on a regular basis.  Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that strengthens teeth.

Fluoride can be taken in one of two ways:  topically and systemicallyTopical applications of fluoride include toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments in a dental office.  Systemic fluoride is taken as a tablet or added to the diet as mentioned above or added to something ingested (i.e., water fluoridation).

Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the fluoride content in local water facilities to the recommended dose for optimal dental health.  Hundreds of fluoridation studies, from more than 20 countries, have proven the effect of optimal fluoride levels in local diets at reducing tooth decay.  In some communities fluoride needs to be reduced (taken out) from local water supplies, and in other communities it is added to water supplies to create optimal fluoride concentration.

There are still a few areas (i.e., Spokane, WA) which have virtually no naturally occurring fluoride in local water supplies and civic leaders have chosen (I believe unwisely) not to add fluoride to the community water.   In such a case, your family dentist can prescribe fluoride tablets in the optimal concentration for local water supplies to prevent decay in residents.

Again, numerous studies have shown that fluoridated water, at an optimal level recommended for decay prevention in teeth, is completely safe.

Application of fluoride to teeth (both systemically and topically), along with pit and fissure sealants, are the two best preventive measures in reducing or preventing decay in teeth.

Fluoride does not replace flossing but, as part of a good oral hygiene program, can go a long way in helping to reduce or eliminate tooth decay.

Keep Smiling!

Dr. James G. Hood

Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley, P.S.

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Welcomes Patients from Age 2 to 102!

James G. Hood, D.D.S., M.A.

507 North Sullivan Road, Suite A-1, Spokane Valley, WA 99037-8576  USA

Phone: (509) 928-9100  |  Fax: (509) 928-0414

Email: drhood@drhood.com

Websites: www.drhood.com, www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalley.com

Blogs: www.drjamesghoodblog.com, www.dentalhealthandnutritionblog.comwww.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalleyblog.com

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