What Are the Benefits of Fluoride?

September 30, 2022

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in rocks and distributed in soil, water, plants and certain foods. It’s widely used in dental products because of its many beneficial properties for the teeth. This guide, produced on behalf of a pediatric dentist in Apopka, details the importance of fluoride, particularly for children.


Sources of Fluoride


In many communities around the USA, fluoride is added to tap water. Statistics from the CDC show that, as at 2018, 73% of people on community water systems receive fluoridated water. While many communities throughout Florida have access to fluoridated water, the City of Apopka doesn’t add fluoride to community water. Testing in 2020 indicated that the local water supply naturally contained between 0.321 and 0.342 milligrams of fluoride per liter.


Many foods are natural sources of small or trace amounts of fluoride, including:


  • Seafood, such as canned sardines and salmon, oily fish, crab and shrimp
  • Fresh fruit, such as grapes, bananas, avocado, strawberries, apples, peaches and cherries
  • Vegetables, such as potatoes, spinach and radish
  • Wheat and oats
  • Meat, including beef, lamb and chicken
  • For adults, tea, coffee and wine


Many over-the-counter and professional dental products, such as toothpastes, mouthwashes and mouth gels, contain fluoride. Consult your specialist pediatric dentist in Apopka to identify the best products for your child’s dental care routine.


Fluoride supplements are also available, in forms such as tablet, varnish, liquid and lozenge; your children’s dentist can advise if supplementation is recommended for healthy teeth.


Recommended Intake of Fluoride


Recommended figures for minimal fluoride intake are based on age, and recommended levels are largely the same for all sexes and genders. Per information from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, adequate daily intakes are as follows:


  • Birth to 6 months: 0.01 mg
  • 7 months to 1 year: 0.5 mg
  • 1 year to 3 years: 0.7 mg
  • 4 to 8 years: 1 mg
  • 9 to 13 years: 2 mg
  • 14 to 18 years: 3 mg
  • 19 years and older: male 4 mg, female 3 mg


Females do not need to adjust their fluoride intake when pregnant or breast feeding.


Top Benefits of Fluoride


Fluoride has several benefits when it comes to oral health, particularly for younger people whose teeth are still growing. Ongoing, fluoride also promotes healthy teeth through adulthood. Of course, correct brushing and flossing is also important for people of all ages. Major benefits of fluoride include:


Mineralization


When fluoride interacts with the teeth it creates fluorapatite, a substance that mineralizes the teeth. In simple terms, this means the teeth become harder and stronger. Fluoride can, therefore, help to prevent the breakdown of teeth and withstand damage from bacteria and acids in food and drink.


Where the outer surface of the teeth, or enamel, has already started to break down, fluoride can help to rebuild, or remineralize, the surface. 

   

Reduction of Oral Bacteria


Fluoride reduced the pH level inside the mouth, making it a less attractive environment for bacterial growth. Reducing harmful bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans Streptococcus sanguinis, lowers the risk of tooth decay, dental caries and cavities.


In brief, food particles, saliva and bacteria can mix in the mouth, resulting in plaque buildup on the teeth. This plaque can cause gum disease and bad breath, damage the teeth and lead to oral infections. Tooth decay and dental disease have much wider health implications beyond the mouth.


Can Fluoride Be Harmful?


As with most substances, excessive amounts of fluoride can be harmful. Risks can include discoloration in developing teeth, bone problems, cognitive issues and thyroid problems. You should never supplement fluoride without consulting your child’s dentist beforehand. However, the benefits of correct fluoride use generally greatly outweigh any possible risks.


Consult a Children’s Dentist in Apopka


One of the best ways to ensure your child’s oral health is to maintain regular appointments with a dentist. Baptiste Dentistry for Kids is a leading pediatric dentist in Apopka, Florida. Contact the professional team to schedule an appointment and discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s dental health.   


how to explain the importance of flossing to kids
July 3, 2025
Knowing how to explain the importance of flossing to kids is vital for their dental health. As a parent or caregiver, you'll appreciate this guide.
navigating dental care for children with adhd
June 27, 2025
Navigating dental care for children with ADHD involves unique challenges that require understanding and tailored approaches.
how to save money on your kids' dentist visits, affording dental car
June 20, 2025
Ensuring your child's oral health through regular dental visits is crucial, but the costs can be daunting. Learn all about it here.
Permanent Tooth Eruption in Children
June 13, 2025
Understanding permanent tooth eruption in children is crucial for parents aiming to safeguard their child's dental health.
tips to keep your kids’ teeth healthy
June 9, 2025
Here we present 4 tips to keep your kids' teeth healthy. From establishing good oral hygiene from infancy to making brushing a fun daily ritual.
What Teeth Do Kids Lose First?
May 23, 2025
So, what teeth do kids lose first? Understanding this first can alleviate anxiety for both children and their parents.
tips for keeping your kid’s teeth healthy
May 16, 2025
These tips for keeping your kid’s teeth healthy will put you on the path to success, leading to a lifetime of optimal oral health and big smiles.
Fillings and baby teeth, milk teeth cavities and primary teeth cavities
May 9, 2025
Ensuring your child's dental health involves understanding the role of fillings for baby teeth. These milk teeth, although temporary, are vital.
Kids drinks that are bad for teeth, is milk bad for teeth, are energy drinks bad for your teeth and
May 2, 2025
From sugary sodas to seemingly innocent fruit juices to even what seems like healthy sports drinks, there are many kids drinks that are bad for teeth.
Is My Child Ready for Mouthwash? Your Guide
April 25, 2025
A lot of parents wonder "Is my child ready for mouthwash?" out of concern for what can happen if they swallow it. Learn everything to know here.
More Posts