A Case For The Curious: What We Learned About Fluoride

From time to time, the American Dental Association updates their recommendations on certain topics and then spreads this information outward to both dentists and patients. One of their more recent updates relates to the use of fluoride for both adults and children. At Josey Lane, we’re commonly asked by patients whether the use of fluoride in toothpaste or in tap water is safe. And in order to help answer these questions—and many more we receive on the topic—we have consulted with scientific and dental experts on the issue. 

Here, we will break down the new American Dental Association recommendations as well as use new data to help answer our most frequently asked questions about fluoride. 

What is fluoride? 

Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical ion found in rocks, soil, and water; however, it does not exist on its own. To isolate it and harness its benefits, it must be artificially created though a scientific process. Harnessing the ion was a scientific achievement from more than a hundred years ago, and its benefits have been so widespread that it was added to tap water in the 20th century. 

What good did that do? 

Naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth feed on the outer surfaces of your teeth, which can lead to cavities and decay. Fluoride works by protecting your teeth and making them stronger and more resistant to this acid. 

What has the American Dental Association said recently about fluoride? 

The American Dental Association has reaffirmed that, when used as directed or within the context of community water fluoridation programs, fluoride is a safe and effective agent that can be used to prevent and control dental decay and cavities. 

In consultation with the Center for Disease Control, jurisdictions all around the States are working to update their community water fluoride content to match the 0.7-parts fluoride per-million-parts-water which is recommended for optimal health. If you are curious about the fluoride levels in our community’s date supply, make sure to ask us at your next appointment and we will help you identity and understand the levels. 

In addition to over-the-counter products that contain fluoride, a panel of experts convened by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs have produced evidence-based clinical recommendations around professionally applied and prescription-strength, home-use topical fluoride agents for cavities prevention. 

In certain situations, for example, where an adult is at a higher risk for oral health diseases—particularly cavities—prescription-strength fluorinated products or treatments applied directly at our office may be recommended. If this determination is made, the newest recommendations outlined by the American Dental Association offer the guide to help you make an informed decision on which product will be the most beneficial—and the safest.  

What about fluoride for children? 

The most interesting recommendation from the ADA’s update is that, in many instances, for young children the proven treatments for adults show little benefit for kids under six years old. In fact, in these children, the risk of experiencing adverse events (particularly nausea and vomiting) associated with swallowing professionally-applied topical fluoride agents actually outweigh the potential benefits. The ADA recommendations highlight that at-home prescription treatments were ineffective compared to treatments performed in the office. 

For older children and teens up to 18, the recommendations begin to show that some at-home gel products used for limited times could be beneficial; however, still not at the same level as it is for adults.  

However, no matter the age, the fluoride in standard toothpaste is safe and measurably beneficial. 

When considering any oral intervention of fluoride, the dentist and patient must balance the potential benefits against all other considerations. if you are concerned about cavities or have experienced them frequently, call us today at Josey Lane to discuss more aggressive treatment options that can protect your teeth for years to come!