Are Fluoride Supplements Necessary?
Because of the large push in Fluoride over the past couple of decades, many children are over-fluoridated. When this happens it can cause patches of fluorosis, which can be detected by brown, yellow, or even black teeth that are starting to crumble and become pitted. These cases can range from mild to severe and are becoming more prevalent in American children. While Fluoride has some benefits in mild portions, overdoing it can cause some serious issues. This brings up the question as to how much fluoride you need to get before it becomes dangerous.
The truth is that fluoride has been used quite a bit lately and is a major reason why tooth decay has declined over the years. When it is used in appropriate fashion, it can be safe and is also very effective at preventing dental problems. In the United States, many counties have fluoride in the water and most people are exposed to it in some way or another.
The best way to use fluoride effectively is to get a small dose of it every day. This is the best way for you to reduce dental caries and make sure that your teeth are protected. This can easily be done when a person drinks water that has an optimal level of fluoride in it as well as brushes their teeth two times a day with some sort of fluoride toothpaste. If you are not at high risk for cavities and other tooth decay then you do not need to take fluoride supplements because the water and tooth brushing should suffice. If you are at high risk for having dental issues, then you might want to consider a small fluoride supplement in order to help protect your tooth enamel and let it grow properly.
The best advice is to go to your dentist and find out his or her recommendation for your personal situation. They will be able to let you know whether or not you should consider fluoride supplements or if you already get a sufficient amount ever day. With fluoride you want to make sure you have optimal levels because too little can lead to tooth decay, and too much can lead to other problems that will harm your teeth.
Along with any fluoride supplement, you will want to make sure that you are practicing good oral hygiene and that you are frequently brushing and flossing every day to take care of the main causes of dental caries.
