When most of us think of fluoride, we think of the fluoride that is present in our toothpaste or in our drinking water, although not all states fluoridate their water. In the communities around the US where the water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplementation is common.
There has been a debate raging in the dental community about the pros and cons of fluoride usage.
The pros include:
- Prevention of tooth and root decay
- Anti-bacterial action against some forms of gum disease, in conjunction with daily oral hygiene and visits to your dentist or periodontist
- Alleviating symptoms of tooth or exposed root sensitivity
- Controlling bad breath
- Easy application with toothpastes, gels, and rinses
The cons include:
- Possible concern with over dosage of fluoride (the combination of water, drops, pastes, rinses, pills, etc.)
- Some professionals believe that fluoride can be toxic (This has not been proven.)
- Concern about the levels of fluoride in community drinking water
- Possible systemic effects not yet seen in the population
In our own 26-year-old periodontal practice, we will often suggest the use of non-dietary sources of fluoride, including gels, rinses, and pastes. This has been a recommended part of all our patients’ daily oral hygiene regimens.
Does your daily oral care routine include fluoride in any form? What do you think about the current fluoride debate?
