Fluoride!

Fluoride!   In the dental world, Fluoride is used two ways:  

First is topical application to the surface of teeth.  Methods include a gel containing fluoride applied to the clean surfaces of teeth as part of a dental cleaning, or a small amount in toothpaste applied to teeth with daily toothbrushing.   Some fluoride is absorbed by the surface of the tooth, strengthening it and thus helping prevent tooth decay. 

Second is ingested fluoride, through the bloodstream utilized in the development of teeth.  Mostly from a very small amount of fluoride added to the public water system, though occurs naturally in some areas.  It makes a difference in tooth decay rates even in Portland where some areas of the west side of the city have fluoride in the water, but much of the city does not.

Today, Oregon is the third-least fluoridated state in the country, with only 26% of Oregonians drink fluoridated water, compared to 72% of Americans overall. Portland remains the country’s largest city without a fluoridated water system.

The dental community is a strong proponent of fluoride in both methods for over 70 years, we see it works.  However, it is a debated topic by a small minority.  Additional resources:

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluoridation

https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/fluoride-in-water

https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/About/press-releases/CWF_key_messages_92524