{"id":559,"date":"2021-01-10T14:50:39","date_gmt":"2021-01-10T14:50:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=559"},"modified":"2021-02-18T14:54:34","modified_gmt":"2021-02-18T14:54:34","slug":"dentist-in-far-north-dallas-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/01\/10\/dentist-in-far-north-dallas-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Fluoride Usage Good or Bad for Your Teeth and Oral Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"woman<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

At a typical dental visit<\/a>, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned by a dental hygienist. When he or she is done removing any plaque and tartar, you may be asked if you want fluoride treatment, but what is that? Do the benefits outweigh any potential risks? As you continue reading, a dentist in far north Dallas explains what fluoride is and how it can help your teeth. Additionally, discover how to use it properly for a healthy and happy smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Fluoride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fluoride is an ionic compound that derives from the element fluorine. About 95% of the fluoride added to public water comes from phosphorite rock. The first discovery of a connection between fluoride and cavity prevention was in the early 1900\u2019s, but it wasn\u2019t until the 1960\u2019s that municipalities started adding fluoride to their water supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Fluoridation Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fluoride helps to prevent cavities by binding to the tooth enamel, which is the hard-outer layer. It\u2019s primarily made of hydroxyapatite, a crystal composed of calcium, phosphorous, hydrogen and oxygen. Through a chemical reaction, fluoride replaces the hydroxyl molecule on hydroxyapatite to make the tooth more resistant to the acids released by oral bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of fluoride has been a game changer for dental and overall health, as it helps to prevent decay. Untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth loss, gum disease and oral cancer. To make matters worse, a severe tooth infection doesn\u2019t stop in the mouth. Over time, it can travel to other parts of the body to cause complex health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Controversy with Fluoridation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There isn\u2019t a consensus on the safety and effectiveness of fluoride consumption. The proponents tout the importance of the compound\u2019s necessity for excellent dental health, while the opponents see its addition to public water supplies as intrusive. Groups like the Fluoride Action Network argue that the compound can contribute to negative health effects like bone fractures, thyroid disorders and impaired brain function. Unfortunately, this debate will likely carry on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Dentists Have to Say<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because dentists are on the front lines and daily assessing patients\u2019 dental health, they have a bird\u2019s eye view on the matter. Most of them are champions of fluoride usage, as long as it\u2019s applied safely. Thus, when you visit for preventive care, you\u2019ll likely be offered fluoride treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what you can expect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n