Fluoride
Fluoride is a natural mineral that can be found in water, soil, and some foods. It helps support dental health, so it is often added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and tap water! Fluoride has been proven to:
- Strengthen tooth enamel
- Lower the amount of acid in your mouth
- Rebuild minerals that make teeth stronger
Community Water Fluoridation
Fluoride exists naturally in almost all water supplies, but at too low of a concentration to prevent tooth decay. Communities in Canada have had drinking water fluoridation programs for more than 70 years. This initiative is supported by Health Canada, the Canadian Dental Association, and more than 90 national & international professional health organizations. Fluoride is added to drinking water as a public health measure to promote dental health by preventing or reducing tooth decay. It can protect entire communities of people for a low cost!
During childhood, fluoride helps to strengthen enamel of developing teeth, making them more resistant to decay from the beginning. Fluoride also protects people of all ages, as it mixes with saliva to help counteract the effects of acids caused by sugar and bacteria, which can contribute to tooth decay.
Water Fluoridation in the City of Peterborough
The City of Peterborough’s drinking water is fluoridated to levels of 0.50-0.80mg/L, as required by by-law 1973-1. No negative health effects have been linked to water that is fluoridated to these levels. To learn more about the City’s drinking water quality management, please visit the Peterborough Utilities website.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride can prevent, stop or reverse cavities. Dental offices use three main types of fluoride treatments:
- Varnish painted on the teeth (most effective)
- Gel or foam applied in trays
- Mouth rinse (least effective)
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a clear, odourless liquid that contains silver particles and fluoride. It can kill the bacteria that causes cavities and helps to harden the decayed area. Sometimes silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is recommended by dental providers if they find a cavity that cannot be treated right away, as it can stop growth of the cavity and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Impacts on Health
Generally, fluoride is good for your oral health. However, there are two potential effects if you have too much fluoride: dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis.
Dental fluorosis is a condition when children (under 8 years old) consume too much fluoride. It causes white spots on their adult teeth, which do not go away. However, it does not impact the structure or health of the teeth. It is important to teach your child(ren) to spit out toothpaste, not swallow it, to avoid developing dental fluorosis.
Skeletal fluorosis is when there is a high amount of fluoride in your bones, leading your bones and joints to harden. It is caused by ingesting very high levels of fluoride every day over many years. This is incredibly rare in Canada because the amount of fluoride we consume (e.g., in drinking water) is highly regulated.
Read fluoride FAQs and find related links here.