Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found all throughout the earth’s crust and is distributed in nature.  There are also some foods and water supplies that contain fluoride. #smilewithconfidence  Fluoride is added to drinking water to help with tooth decay. In the 1930’s it was discovered that people who grew up drinking naturally fluoridated water had up to 2/3’s fewer cavities than people who lived in areas that did not have fluoridated water. 

Since then, studies repeatedly show that when fluoride is added to a community’s water supply, tooth decay decreases.  The ADA along with many other organizations have endorsed the use of fluoride in water supplies because of its positive effect on tooth decay. Best Family Dentist in San Tan Valley AZ

Do how does it work?  It prevents cavities in two different ways:

• It concentrates in the growing bones and developing teeth of children.  Fluoride helps to harden the enamel on baby and adult teeth even before they emerge. 
• Fluoride also can help harden the enamel on adult teeth even after they have emerged. #martindental
• It works during the demineralization and remineralization processes that naturally occur in the mouth.

So how do you know if you are getting enough fluoride?  Well, if you are drinking fluoridated water and brushing regularly with a fluoride toothpaste, this would be considered sufficient for adults and children that have healthy teeth and who are at low risk of decay. Best Family Dentist in San Tan Valley AZ

If your community doesn’t have fluoridated water or not enough natural fluoride in it, then your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe fluoride tablets or drops for your children to take every day.  Just ask their advice.