Maintaining a healthy smile means proper brushing, flossing, and using fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel, reducing the amount of bacteria that attack your teeth and preventing cavities. Bridgeview Dental Group, located in Kodiak, AK, specializes in family dental care, including teeth whitening, root canals, and tooth implants.

They’ve highlighted a few of the myths that surround fluoride use, debunking them and revealing the truth. 

• Only Sugar Causes Tooth Decay: While sugar is a vehicle for bacteria, the main cause of cavities is tooth enamel that breaks down and doesn’t defend against germs from any kind of food. Fluoride promotes stronger tooth enamel, which protects the teeth from tooth decay.
• Fluoride Shouldn’t Be In Water: Many people believe that since it’s already in toothpaste, fluoride isn’t necessary to have in the water supply. However, natural water sources already have fluoride in them. The amount in toothpaste is small, and putting more fluoride in the water has shown benefits in communities across the country.
• Water Treated With Fluoride Is Expensive: It’s a widespread opinion that money can be saved by ceasing water-based fluoride treatment. While it might save money up front, the preventative measures and dental care that fluoride provides are well worth the initial cost.
• Fluoride Results In Other Health Issues: The occasional rumor surfaces that fluoride contributes to major health diseases like cancer and gum disease. However, the leading medical experts in the country consider fluoride safe and effective for both dental care and overall health.

Fluoride can make a difference in the appearance of your teeth and contributes to your overall dental care. If you’re looking for more answers about fluoride use, or for a variety of other dental services, visit the experts at Bridgeview Dental Group in Kodiak for more information. They can be found online or reached by phone at (907) 486-3257.