Fluoride is a hot commodity in the dental world. First thing’s first – fluoride is a naturally-occurring element found in the earth. Air, water, and plants all contain some levels of fluoride. Most importantly, fluoride is safe and effective for promoting optimal oral health.
Fluoride and its Fame
According to the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named water fluoridation one of Ten Great Public Health Achievements of the 20th Century. Fluoride is not only found in natural water sources but is also added and monitored in our public water systems. That coupled with the invention of fluoride toothpaste has led to a significant decrease in the rate of tooth decay.
In the realm of dental history, fluoride toothpaste can be considered a rather recent invention created by Dr. Joseph Muhler and Dr. William Nebergall. A dental researcher, Dr. Muhler attended Indiana University during the 1940’s, where he meticulously studied and researched the correlation between fluoride and tooth decay. After examining various fluoride compounds, he concluded that stannous fluoride was most effective for hardening and protecting tooth enamel.
Dr. Nebergall, a chemistry professor, worked closely alongside Dr. Muhler , using his research to concoct the perfect recipe for a stannous fluoride toothpaste. By 1956, Crest toothpaste hit the market, and just a few years later, fluoride toothpaste became the first cavity-prevention toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. In today’s world, toothpaste must include fluoride in order to earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Both inventors have since passed away, but their legacy remains. Hats off to Dr. Muhler and Dr. Nebergall, who will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in Washington DC this Spring!
Fluoride Fun Facts
Fluoride is most effective when topically applied via toothpaste, fluoride treatment, or drinking fluoridated water. The Oral Health Foundation states that water fluoridation has been proven to reduce cavities by 40 to 60 percent.
Check out these five facts about fluoride:
1. Adding fluoride to the water system is a cost-effective way to reduce cavities among mass populations.
2. Adult supervision is required for children using fluoride, and it is not recommended for those under 3 years of age.
3. Fluoride can attract other minerals such as calcium, which helps build strong teeth and bones.
4. Some foods contain naturally-occurring levels of fluoride (i.e. raisins).
5. Too much fluoride can cause fluorosis, which causes the teeth to become mottled and discolored.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding fluoride and your oral health, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.