New York
City added fluoride to its water in 1964, around 1.0 ppm. This means
a liter of drinking water contains at least 1 mg of fluoride, the
adequate daily intake for children 4 to 8 years old.
Drinking
fluoridated water is a type of systemic fluoridation, where
fluoride makes its way into the system. Although fluoride is often
associated with dental health, virtually any type of bone can benefit
from it, but in trace amounts. As a result, precious fluoride that
could have benefitted teeth is diverted to other bone structures in
the body. This means you have to get your fluoride directly on your
pearly whites to make the most out of its benefits.
Dentists
offer topical fluoridation, which involves the direct application of
fluoride onto the teeth. This comes in the form of gels, foams,
rinses; toothpaste is also a good example of topical fluoridation.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the use of topical
fluoride products with its Seal of Acceptance for safe and effective
application.
Regardless
of where you get your fluoride, fluoridation in general is no
substitute for proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing, as
well as visits to the dentist, usually suffice in keeping a healthy
set of choppers. Fluoride can help, provided that it's consumed in
adequate amounts, but don't trade it for your brush and floss.
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