Fluoride: What Do I Need to Know?

  • Published
  • 374th Dental Squadron
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Fluoride is a form of the naturally occurring element fluorine. Fluoride has been proven to be very effective at preventing cavities and making teeth resistant to the bacteria that live in our mouths. The optimal level of fluoride to actually achieve these positive results is very small.

The standard concentration for water is 0.7 parts per million, that translates to only 0.00007% fluoride! In certain parts of the world, including areas of the U.S., fluoride occurs naturally in the water supply. In many cities without naturally occurring fluoride, it is added to the water supply as a public health measure to help prevent cavities. Balance is key. Too little or no fluoride places people at higher risk for cavities, but too much fluoride, especially while teeth are developing from birth to age 8, can cause a condition known as fluorosis.

Fluorosis is a type of enamel defect which causes the teeth to look pitted or mottled. Other potential causes of enamel defects are illness during pregnancy, premature birth, and infections or high temperatures during childhood. Fluoride received during the prenatal period does not benefit or hurt a growing fetus because it does not cross the placenta.

In the past, water was fluorinated on Yokota Air Base. However, currently, fluoride is no longer added. For adults and children with no active cavities, this is not a concern. For individuals who have active cavities, additional fluoride is recommended. You can get additional fluoride from over-the-counter fluoride rinses, some bottled waters, or from professional fluoride treatments in your dental clinic. Fluoridated bottled water is available at the Commissary and BX. It is sold by the gallon as "Nursery Water" and is also available in small sports bottles.

There has been some debate on which mode of fluoride provides the greatest benefit - ingested or topical fluoride? We know now that the topical or "washing effect" of fluoride affords the greatest protection to teeth. Topical fluoride is found in toothpaste, some bottled and city water supplies, professional applications from your dentist, and over-the-counter mouth rinses. Fluoride supplements found in a pill or liquid drops are not routinely recommended for most individuals.

If you have additional concerns or questions about fluoride, please ask your dental professional at your next exam.