Do you wonder whether fluoride is good or bad for your oral health? Here are many myths about fluoride. Read to know the misconceptions and facts about fluoride.
Fluoride can be confusing because there are many wrong ideas about it. People have myths and wrong thoughts about fluoride. It can make it hard to know what’s true and what’s not.
To help you understand better when you pick toothpaste, here are some common myths about fluoride and the facts you should know.
Myth 1: Fluoride is a Harmful Chemical
Fluoride is a natural element found in small amounts in water and some foods. It’s not dangerous. It’s added to public water to protect teeth from decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even calls this a great achievement in health.
Myth 2: Fluoride Isn’t Necessary To Clean Teeth
Fluoride isn’t necessary, which is another one of the myths about fluoride. It isn’t for making teeth look nice but stops them from getting holes (cavities). You can have clean-looking teeth without it, but it helps keep teeth strong and healthy. If you don’t use fluoride toothpaste, you must watch your diet and avoid sugary and processed foods.
Myth 3: Fluoride is Bad for Children
One of the most common myths about fluoride is that it harms kids. Fluoride isn’t bad for kids, but too much of anything can be harmful.
Use special toothpaste for young children, and as they grow, switch to toothpaste with a bit more fluoride. When they have adult teeth, they can use regular toothpaste. Some kids prefer the taste of toothpaste made for them.
Myth 4: Too Much Toothpaste Fluoride is Bad
Is fluoride good for teeth or not? It’s complicated. Fluoride helps when you put it directly on teeth with toothpaste or at the dentist. However, using too much can cause something called dental fluorosis. It can make your teeth look funny, with white lines or pits.
Myth 5: Water With Fluoride Isn’t Needed Because of Toothpaste
It’s one of the myths about fluoride. The fluoride in toothpaste isn’t enough to protect your teeth well. To fight tooth decay best, you need fluoridated water and toothpaste.
Myth 6: Fluoride Isn’t Natural
Fluoride is not unnatural. It’s one of the myths about fluoride. Fluoride is found naturally in water and other things. When we add a bit more to water, it helps prevent tooth problems.
Myth 7: Drinking Water with Fluoride Causes Fluorosis
Fluorosis happens when you have too much fluoride. In the U.S., the fluoride in our water has a very low chance of causing fluorosis. Even when it does happen, it’s usually not serious.
Myth 8: Fluoridated Water Leads to Cancer
Many studies have looked at this, saying that adding fluoride to water doesn’t increase the risk of cancer or other serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems. Experts from the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians say it’s safe.
Myth 9: Fluoridated Water Doesn’t Help Prevent Tooth Problems
Many studies in the US and Europe show that adding fluoride to water prevents tooth infections in both kids and grown-ups. It’s good for our teeth.
Myth 10: Putting Fluoride in Water is Expensive
Adding fluoride to water is one of the cheaper ways to stop tooth problems. It’s less expensive than treating tooth decay later on.
Conclusion
The article guides you on myths about fluoride and oral health. Hope now you know the facts and the importance of fluoride in dental and overall health. Contact Dentalsway and learn more about fluoride’s importance in having a beautiful smile.
