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As a dental consumer, you, have every right to ask questions. As well you should. So, in spite of the turnaround in our collective dental health since the introduction of fluoride to community water, some still doubt its safety.

From the first day of pregnancy, natural fluorides play an important role in the development of teeth and bone strength. From birth on, the fluoride ions present in saliva guard tooth enamel from dissolving (demineralization), and in fact encourage reformation (remineralization).

As anyone can see from the plummeting cavity rate, fluoride is an amazing mineral when it comes to healthy teeth. The level of fluoride permitted in public waters is tightly monitored and rigidly controlled: 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million with 1.0 being the optimum amount. In order to achieve toxic levels a person would need to drink hundreds of eight-ounces of water.

With a 60-65 percent reduction in cavities directly due to fluoride, our practice is a believer. Our only reservation is overuse of fluoride toothpastes for children who tend to eat more toothpaste than they spit out. In rare geographic areas, mottling of the teeth-fluorosis-can occur. But we are fans of topical fluorides for people more prone to cavities, and for orally compromised older patients.

We are open to your questions, of course, and would be happy to reassure you that fluoride use is safe and extremely beneficial. Call or visit our Web site for additional information. Dr. Eck can be reached at (239) 389-9400.