Communities in the United States have been drinking fluoridated water for 80 years now.
And that fluoridated water prevents cavities at all ages. Even if you’re older than fluoridation!
Everyone, from kids to seniors, gets little bits of fluoride remineralizing their enamel throughout the day, when they drink fluoridated water.
Light up the truth! We love this science quote from Rachel Carson. “The aim of science is to discover and illuminate truth.”
Did you know? Fluoride strengthens kids’ teeth under the gums.
Another smile science tidbit that is important to know — especially if you’re a parent. For children younger than age 8, fluoride helps strengthen the adult (permanent) teeth that are developing under the gumline.
Another science quote we love, this time about fluoride science!
Take it from Obama’s doctor! Nineteenth Surgeon General of the United States, appointed by President Obama, said …
“Fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay extends throughout life, resulting in fewer and less severe cavities.”
So it is not only that you don’t get as many cavities when you brush with fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water, the cavities we see are smaller and not as severe.
One last fact for today:
Did you know? Stannous fluoride is one of three types of fluorides approved for use in toothpaste.
Stannous fluoride – two fluoride ions plus a tin atom – is not only cavity-fighting but antimicrobial, too.
Meaning it both kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and remineralizes enamel.
The other two fluorides approved for toothpaste (sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate) just remineralize enamel.
That’s some important chemistry to know for your own selfcare and smile science!