Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in nature. Certain foods contain fluoride, as well as many types of drinking water. Back in the 1930s, researchers discovered that people who grew up drinking water with fluoride had up to 66% fewer cavities than people who lived in areas without access to fluoridated water. Today, the American Dental Association and the American Medical Association endorse the use of fluoride in water because of its positive effect on tooth decay.
Fluoride works in two different ways to prevent decay:
- It becomes concentrated in the developing bones and teeth of children, helping harden the enamel layer on both baby and adult teeth before they erupt
- It hardens the enamel on adult teeth that have already erupted
If your drinking water already contains fluoride, brushing regularly with a toothpaste that contains fluoride should be sufficient for limiting tooth decay. Dr. Perlmutter may perform fluoride treatments or prescribe tablets as necessary based on each patient’s individual needs.
If you have further questions about the use of fluoride in dental care, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental today or call 201-384-9292 to schedule an initial consultation. We serve patients in Dumont, Bergenfield and surrounding areas of New Jersey.
