Fluoride Helps Teeth; Here’s a Brief History of This Amazing Mineral

While there is a great deal of misinformation about fluoride floating around the Internet, the truth is that this amazing and naturally occurring chemical can be an efficient and cost-effective way to prevent a wide range of horrible oral health problems. Here’s a quick look at what fluoride is, how its benefits were discovered, and how it can be used to protect your oral and overall health.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a common mineral that can be found in many foods and natural sources of clean drinking water, and it has the remarkable ability to reinforce enamel and prevent oral infections. This has earned it the nickname “nature’s cavity fighter.” Many communities in America add small amounts of this chemical to their water supplies for its oral health benefits, and the Center for Disease Control has recognized fluoridation of public water to be one of the greatest achievements of the twentieth century.

How Was Fluoride Discovered?

In 1901, a young dentist named Frederick McKay opened a practice in Colorado Springs. When he started seeing patients, he noticed that many of them had strange brown stains on their teeth and decided to find the source of this problem. With the help of a dentist named Dr. G.V. Black, he discovered that teeth with these brown stains were incredibly resistant to tooth decay. After years of research, McKay discovered that fluoride was the cause behind the stains as well as the remarkable resilience of the affected teeth.

Can Fluoride Safely Help Me?

After a few experiments, the National Institute of Health determined that maintaining a certain level of fluoride in a population’s drinking water would protect their teeth from cavities without causing unsightly dental stains. Fluoridation of the water supply quickly became a popular and inexpensive way for communities to protect their health and prevent the need for costly restorative dental work. This process costs taxpayers about one dollar per person annually, and it has saved them untold millions of dollars in dental care.

Don’t let a little misinformation keep you from enjoying the many benefits of fluoridated water. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to maintain a healthy smile.

About the Practice

Dr. Luciano Marini earned his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency at Waterbury Hospital Health Center. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut Dental Association, and the Waterbury Dental Society. His office offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as fluoride treatments. To learn more about the benefits of fluoride, contact his office online or dial (203) 575-9097.