2020 marks the 75th anniversary of community water fluoridation programs, or the practice of adding fluoride to the water supply. Honoring this public health achievement, the American Dental Association (ADA) is using National Children’s Dental Health Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about this resource and its benefits. If you’re a parent, here are a few important points to know about this natural mineral and why pediatric dentists encourage its use.

Why Is Water Fluoridation Important?

Fluoride is a mineral that reduces the prevalence of cavities in children and adults by 25%. When children consume fluoridated water before the age of eight years old, the mineral helps strengthen the permanent adult teeth that are developing beneath the gums. Once those teeth come in, the mineral also helps strengthen enamel to defend against corrosion.

While fluoride is found naturally in all water supplies, it’s generally not enough to provide these oral health benefits. With treatment, communities add the right amount of fluoride to drinking water to reduce cavity risk. In fact, the ADA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and American Academy of Pediatrics all state that water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay.

How Can You Ensure Your Child Gets Enough Fluoride?

If your community is fluoridated, drinking water from the tap is enough to get a healthy dose of fluoride. However, in Alaska, the only area with fluoridated water is the US Coast Guard base on Kodiak Island.

Since other areas are not treated with the mineral, you must get it elsewhere. For example, many kinds of toothpaste provide fluoride, and pediatric dentists can apply it directly to the teeth with a specialized foam, varnish, or gel.

Protecting your entire family from tooth decay is easy with the support of BridgeView Dental Group. Staffed by general and pediatric dentists, this Kodiak, AK, clinic offers a wide range of services to prevent cavities, including thorough exams, fluoride treatments, and routine teeth cleanings. When cavities do occur, you can also count on these caring professionals to provide high-quality fillings in a gentle and stress-free fashion. To learn more about these capabilities, visit their dental office online. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 486-3257.