Advantages and Disadvantages of Fluoride

Fluoride can be beneficial to the teeth, as it helps to strengthen them by leaving a protective coating on the surface. This coating will help to prevent cavities, since bacteria will not be able to decay the teeth. Fluoride is found in a number of toothpastes and rinses. It has also been added to the drinking water in certain parts of the country.

But it has been found that the benefits of fluoridation may have decreased due to the fact that bacteria are dying out. With continued measures to control bacterial levels, such as sealants and fluoride toothpastes, harmful bacteria are not as prevalent as they once were. As a result, there may not be as much benefit seen from fluoridation because of the decreased levels of bacteria. But it is the use of these beneficial products that are responsible for the decline of harmful bacteria.

Fluorosis is one side effect that can be found from drinking fluoridated water. It can cause staining of teeth in very young children by leaving calcium fluoride crystals on the teeth that eventually cause stains. This is not harmful to the teeth, but it will discolor them.

Fluoride has been used for so long in many dental products. If you have any concerns about fluoridation, you may want to speak to your dentist about your feelings and get his or her opinion. Other than fluorosis, there do not seem to be any side effects from the use of fluoride or fluoridated water.

Source: Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist
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