Fluoride helps to make teeth stronger. It has been believed that use of fluoride based products helps to protect your teeth from the attack of cavities and decay.
The Center for Disease Protection has stated that adding of fluoride in drinking water supplies has improved the dental health of masses at large in America. The percentage of people suffering from dental decay has significantly improved. There has also been an overall improvement in dental health.
Benefit of Fluoride in Water
While one can use fluoride enriched products, like toothpastes and mouthwashes, enriching water with fluoride helps to make it available at all times. So even if one were to forget to use fluoride enriched products, the constant consumption of water would be helpful. It is cost effective, while also adding to your health at no extra cost. On a study conducted by CDC (Center for Disease protection) it has been seen that the estimated cost of fluoridating the water is almost 50 cents, and that is the attributed per person cost. By constant use it as been seen that such expenditure saves an individual almost $38 towards dental services. So to speak absolutely pennies worth!
Things to Consider:
There is a downside to drinking too much fluoride enriched water though. In some cases it has been seen that excess fluoride consumption increases the chances of bone fractures, dental or even skeletal fluorosis. Children too suffer from fluorosis which causes damage to the enamel of the teeth. Dental products for kids have a very nominal amount of fluoride in them so as not to cause any damage. With that said it is ideal to restrict adding fluoride to water to about 2mg per liter.
There are two sides to the story. The benefits of fluoride enriched water far outweigh the negative aspect, if consumed in moderation. Brushing and flossing also supplements the effort and makes your teeth and gums stronger.