I think fluoride is an important part of  having healthy teeth.  Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in almost all foods, water supplies and many dental products such as toothpaste and certain mouth rinses.  The American Dental Association, The World Health Organization and the American Medical Association have endorsed the use of fluoride in water supplies.  Multiple studies have shown that when fluoride is added to a water supply, tooth decay decreases, fluoride acts in two ways: topically and systemically.  Topical fluorides strengthen teeth that are already erupted in the mouth.   The fluoride is absorbed  into the outer surface of the tooth, making it more resistant to decay.  Systemic fluorides are ingested through food and water and are used by teeth which are developing.  Children between 6months and 16 years can benefit from fluoride.

This is important, too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis.  Dental fluorosis  is caused by a child receiving too much fluoride during tooth development.  The critical period is between 1 and 4 years old.  Children over age 8 are not at risk.

  It is very common for people to neglect their teeth.  I have found that quite often when a person has no pain in their mouth and decent looking teeth that they assume heir teeth are in good shape. These are usually the people who have underlying gum disease and undiagnosed decay.     In order to keep your smile healthy and teeth bright pay attention to your teeth and gums.  If you are pregnant higher levels of hormones can cause puffy, tender gums that can increase the risk of gum infection.  Grinding and or clenching your teeth can lead to severe wear, cracking and chipping of tooth structure.  Many medications can cause dry mouth,  which increases your risk of tooth decay.   Drinking lots of water, chewing sugarless gum and using a fluoride rinse at night can help protect your teeth against reduced saliva.  I have discussed the dangers of smoking  but I will mention it again.  Smokers are two to three times more likely to get periodontal disease.  I wont even go into what smoking can do to the color of your teeth.  Sitting in a dental chair isn’t  anybody’s  favorite thing to do but if you go for regular dental check-ups you will learn how to keep your smile healthy!