Facts and Myths about Fluoride

By Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist

October is National Dental Hygiene Month and the perfect time to debunk common myths about Fluoride.

Fluoride has been vital in preventing tooth decay and strengthening teeth since the 1950’s but with the massive amount of misleading information on the internet you might be thinking otherwise. Most scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals support the use of fluoride but with all the myths out there, what should you believe? The American Dental Association’s position on fluoride is that it is a safe, effective means of preventing tooth decay in children and adults. If this isn’t enough for you to breathe a sigh of relief, we’ll go over some more facts and myths about fluoride.

Myth: Fluoride is not natural.

Fact: Fluoride is the 13th most common element found in the world. Fluoride is a mineral. It can be found naturally in rocks, soil, water, and air. When combined with calcium and phosphate in the teeth, it not only prevents cavities from forming, but it makes the surface of your teeth stronger and less prone to cavities.

Myth: Fluoride is harmful to your health. While fluoride can be harmful in large amounts, it is perfectly safe if used at the recommended levels. It’s easy to rile people up by labeling things toxic, but even water is toxic if you drink too much of it.

Fact: Fluoride is known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel. It promotes remineralization. Think of remineralization like patching the cracks in a wall to keep it strong. That is how fluoride increases the teeth’s resistance to acids attacks from dietary sugars and bacteria.

Fact: Water fluoridation was the best public health decision of the 20th century. It decreased the incidence of cavities in children and adults by up to 25 percent. Its continued ability to prevent cavities makes it a valuable tool for maintaining good oral health. 

Myth: Fluoride has been linked to cancer, chronic diseases, and autism in children.

Fact: Numerous studies and research have been conducted on this topic over the past decades, and none have shown that the addition of fluoride increases the risk of cancer, autism or other serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems. It is endorsed as being safe by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) and they support the use of fluoride in dental care.

I hope that debunking some of the most common myths about fluoride and exposing the facts will help you to make an informed decision about fluoride use for yourself and your family.

Health Partnership Clinic focuses our dental services for everyone two to 18. We’re able to treat a limited number of adults who are established dental patients. For more information or to make an appointment, call 913-648-2266.