Fluoride was introduced in Australia back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but there are still some concerns regarding the possible health risks. So, what is fluoride and – more importantly – is it safe to be consumed in our water?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in all water supplies, and it has been proven over time with helping to prevent tooth decay. The practice of water fluoridation spread rapidly when it became clear that communities with higher levels of fluoride in their water enjoyed stronger teeth. In fact, studies conducted in 2012 by Australian researchers concluded that water fluoridation led to significant reductions in tooth decay worldwide!
Nonetheless, there are still some members of the community who have concerns with the levels of fluoride that is commonly found in drinking water and dental care products. Whereas the benefits of fluoride have been scientifically proven time and time again, concerns about the potential health hazards of fluoride have not been backed by any field experts or research. In fact, organisations such as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Australian Consumers Association (CHOICE) all herald fluoride as an effective means of maintaining your health. The World Health Organization (WHO) went as far as to declare that “universal access to fluoride for dental health is a part of the basic human right to life."
With very little evidence supporting the claim that fluoride is a health hazard, and solid scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of fluoride in maintaining oral health, it’s safe to say that fluoride is not only safe to use but also a recommended part of your oral care routine.
If you still have any questions regarding fluoride, feel free to talk to the team at Sparkling Dental today
