The quantities of fluoride that we use every day are perfectly safe in drinking water, toothpaste and oral
rinses.
Fluoridation has great benefits; most notably, a decrease in dental cavities in children and adults.
Fluoride has done a lot through the decades to benefit oral health in our communities. Unfortunately,
there is lots of misinformation and unsubstantiated claims about Fluoride. In the age of Google,
Facebook and blog sites it is hard to know what information to trust.
Fluoride added to drinking water is not damaging to our health or intelligence.
In excessive amounts it
can be a risk but the EPA has determined that levels below 4.0mg/L or 4 PPM is a safe.
The Department of Health and Human Services determined that the optimal levels of Fluoride in tap water is 0.7-1.2mg/L. If you drink fluoridated tap water, brush with fluoridated toothpaste and use oral rinses with fluoride, you are unlikely to be exposed to too much fluoride.
The benefits of fluoride to our individual oral health and our communities far outweigh any risk.
Over the years, there has been alarming news that link fluoride to increased cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute has studied these claims and found there is no trend or increased risk for cancer.
Patients are always encouraged to understand and advocate for their personal health and well being. It is difficult to funnel through so much information and advice to decide what is right for you.
Rest assured that your daily exposure to fluoride from drinking water, brushing your teeth and using an oral rinse is safe and effective.
Dr. Janeen Ferraro is a General Dentist located at Ocean Dental, 167 Avenue At the Common, Suite 16, Shrewsbury,
NJ 07702. She is an active member of The American Dental Association, The Academy of General Dentistry, The
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The New Jersey Dental Association, an Invisalign Provider and a member
of the Better Business Bureau. Feel free to learn more about our office at www.oceandentalnj.com or call
732-935-0905.
