The American Dental Association refers to fluoride as "nature's cavity fighter." You don't need much fluoride in your diet to meet the minimum daily recommendations. It is found in most tap water, so if you drink fluoridated water on a regular basis you probably get plenty.
Identification
Fluoride is mostly found in water that has fluoride added to it. You may find it in tap water or in some bottled water you purchase. Foods that have been prepared with fluoridated water will contain fluoride. You can also find it in the ocean, so seafood is a source of fluoride. The American Dental Association has advocated adding fluoride to community water for over 50 years, which has led to significant decreases in tooth decay. Contact your local water company to find out how much fluoride, if any, is added to your drinking water. The recommended amount is 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million.
Recommended Amounts
The Institute of Medicine recommends the following amounts of fluoride per day. Infants 0 to 6 months need 0.01 mg and 7 to 12 months need 0.5 mg. Children 1 to 3 years need 0.7 mg, 4 to 8 years need 1.0 mg and 9 to13 years need 2.0 mg. Males 14 to 18 years of age need 3.0 mg and over 18 years need 4.0 mg while females over 14 years old need 3.0 mg per day. Drinking fluoridated water will meet these needs.
Function
Fluoride prevents tooth decay by 50 to 60 percent in children. When you eat foods, especially those containing sugar, bacteria is formed on the teeth, which start to break down the enamel of the tooth. Fluoride helps stimulate the remineralization of the enamel, thus preventing a cavity from forming.
Considerations
If you live in an area that relies on well water, you may not get enough fluoride in your diet. You might see a higher prevalence of tooth decay or weak teeth. If you do live in an area like this, consider taking fluoride supplements or consult your dentist for recommendations.
Warning
Ingesting too much fluoride is rare, however, the American Dental Association recommends not using fluoridate toothpaste for children under 2 years old. Young children haven't learned to spit out the toothpaste and may swallow it causing too much fluoride to be ingested. Excess fluoride, or fluorosis, causes mottling of the teeth which makes the teeth look cloudy or opaque. In severe cases it causes the teeth to turn a brownish color. This is extremely rare, and the benefits of adding fluoride to water far outweigh the dangers.
References
- "Journal of the American Dental Association": Fluoride Nature's cavity fighter
- American Dental Association: American Dental Association Supports Fluoridation
- Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Intakes for Individuals, Elements
- Medline Plus: Fluoride in diet
- American Dental Association: Interim Guidance on Fluoride Intake for Infants and Young Children
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