According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, fluoride research began in 1901. At the time, a young dentist discovered the impact this naturally occurring mineral had on teeth. After decades of testing, studying, and researching, it was added to Grand Rapid’s water supply in 1945. If you’ve ever wondered why fluoride is in drinking water to this day, then read on!
3 Reasons Fluoride Is In Drinking Water
Here are three noteworthy reasons why fluoride was added to drinking water:
- It helps prevent cavities – Did you know that roughly 51 million hours of school and 164 million hours of work are lost each year because of dental-related illness? Plus, roughly 91% of Americans have had a cavity by their 21st birthday. Fortunately, fluoride has proven to be effective at preventing tooth decay. So much so that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named it one of the 10 great public health achievements!
- It’s natural – You’ve seen salt fortified with iodine, milk with vitamin D, and orange juice with calcium. This is the same principle! Adding fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, to water helps you stay hydrated, rinse food particles from your teeth, and reduce your risk of cavities.
- It saves money – According to recent research, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs.
Other Ways to Protect Your Teeth from Decay
Of course, drinking fluoridated water is just one of the many best practices that need to be in place to protect your teeth and gums from harm. So, if you aren’t already, make sure that you:
- Brush your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day
- Floss and rinse with mouthwash daily
- Use the right oral hygiene tools, like a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Get a dental checkup and teeth cleaning twice a year
- Quit unhealthy dental habits, like smoking
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports
If you want to learn more about how you can protect your teeth from decay, then reach out to your dental team. They are there to help!
About the Practice
The foundation of any great smile is preventive care. That’s why our team at Winthrop Street Dentistry offers a wide range of treatments designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy, including routine checkups, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments. Plus, we are in-network with many PPO dental insurance plans and offer convenient hours, which makes maintaining your gorgeous grin more affordable and convenient than ever before. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with us, then get in touch with our Worcester dental team via our website or by phone at (508) 756-0990.
