Fluoridation of water is a common practice in the United States, as well as in many other countries. The process involves making sure that every liter of public water supply has 0.7 mg of fluoride in it. This is done to ensure better dental health in the general public, since fluoride is proven to protect the human teeth against decay. However, it can be worrying at first to know that chemicals, like fluoride, in water are making their way into our bodies. In order to clear the confusion and irrational fears associated with the water fluoridation system, take a look at the points below, which illustrate how the right amount of fluoride in drinking water is not only safe, but also good for you and your family.
The Safety Of The Process Is Established
All old and recent studies from established health institutions indicate that fluoride can be safely ingested with drinking water, as long as it does not exceed the maximum safe dosage. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Medical Association (AMA), American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO) itself has acknowledged, accepted, and propagated the dental benefits of water fluoridation on human teeth. It should be noted that on the advice of the US Department of Health and Human Services, the amount of fluoride introduced into per liter of water has been fixed to 0.7 mg since 2015. Earlier, the recommended amount used to range from anywhere in-between 0.7 mg to 1.2 mg of fluoride per liter of water.
It Prevents Tooth Decay
Children in particular may benefit from fluoride in drinking water, as it has been confirmed that the chemical does indeed provide protection against dental degradation in children. The benefits are not limited to kids alone though, as each and every age group benefits from water fluoridation in terms of dental health. As a matter of fact, the CDC has officially stated that the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water, which started back in the 20th Century, is a milestone achievement in public health improvement.
Fluoride Is Naturally Occurring
Contrary to what some of the misleading sources may tell you, fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that is already present in groundwater and surface water. Water treatment facilities are only supposed to add just enough fluoride to the water to make it sufficiently strong to fight off tooth decay. Water fluoridation is a fortification process not unlike adding iodine to salt or vitamin D to milk.
Fluoride protects against demineralization, which is often brought on by bacterial acid binding with the enamel of our teeth. Studies have found no evidence of fluoride related toxicity, as long as the amount per liter of water does not exceed the recommended dosage. Therefore, it would be safe to conclude that you and your family are in no danger from the water fluoridation method employed by the US government. In fact, it is even saving you money, as visits to the dentist have become less frequent in the US ever since the introduction of the system.
