Most people know that for years dentists have been recommending flouride as something which helps prevent cavities. It’s in just about every toothpaste, many mouth rinses, over the counter and prescription gels - and close to 70% of Americans have it in their drinking water.  Practically every dental professional credits flouride for drastically reducing levels of dental decay over the last four decades.

Flouride is a mineral that exists naturally in water and soil.  About 70 years ago, scientists discovered that people who lived where water supplies naturally had more flouride also had fewer cavities.  Today, most public drinking water supplies are flouridated, especially in larger cities and dental professionals applaud its usage.

But can there be too much of a good thing?

A receent government study found that two in five adolescents had some sort of streaking or spotting in their teeth because of too much flouride, a number that has grown considerably since the 1980’s.

For most people these streaks or spots are totally harmless and barely visible to the naked eye, although in severe cases the tooth enamel can actually develop a pit-like surface.  So even though flouride still does a fantastic job in cavity prevention, as with most things in medicine there are side effects.

The good news is - as a result of this study the federal government has acted very rapidly to change their recomendation for the amount of flouride in drinking water, making it 0.7 milligrams per liter of water, down from the 50 year standard of up to 1.2 milligrams.

At Barrington Dental Care we applaud the government’s quick action!  And we still want to help you avoid cavities as much as possible.

-”One of water flouridation’s biggest advantages is that it benefits all residents of a commmnity - at home, work, school or play.  And flouridation’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in improved oral  health.”  said Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary  Dr. Howard Koh.

So keep brushing, flossing, rinsing and drinking flouridated water.  It’s also important to continue to see us for your regular dental visits.  We will be glad to check your teeth to see if we can find any negative effects from flouride and look for cavities too!  As with any dental condition, the sooner we find it, the easier and less costly it is to treat.  If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us any time at 1-847-381-2676.  We at Barrington Dental Care want to keep you smiling for a lifetime!!!