Adding fluoride to drinking water in a community can be controversial. Every year more communities choose to fluoridate and a few stop the practice as political power shifts. Public health officials have long considered water fluoridation one of the major public health improvement achievements of the 20th century. But most people think that water fluoridation mainly prevents cavities in children.

A group of researchers from the University of North Carolina and the University of Adelaide in Australia have completed a new study on the effectiveness of water fluoridation. After studying a population of Australian adults the researchers concluded that adults saw just as much benefit in cavity prevention as did children when their water was fluoridated. Adults who live 75% of their life in an area with fluoridated water experience significantly less decay than those who had only lived 25% of their life with fluoridation.

“Fluoridation is not just for kids — it benefits everyone living in the city of day one,” said Dr. Gary Slade. “The benefit was at least as great for people who began living in areas fluoridated after they were born.”

Tooth decay is actually on the rise in some parts of the US because fewer people are drinking tap water. Drinking large amounts of soda, sports drinks and energy drinks weakens tooth enamel and feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

The good news is that we no longer have to settle for mercury amalgam fillings to restore a decayed tooth. New composite fillings are better for tooth strength, are long lasting, and they perfectly match your teeth – no more ugly silver fillings. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin and is dangerous for dental office staff and the environment.

Please contact Columbus cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-915-0134 to schedule your next visit.