Why is fluoride used in water treatment?
The goal of water fluoridation is to prevent tooth decay by adjusting the concentration of fluoride in public water supplies. Tooth decay (dental caries) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide.
Does Texas add fluoride to water?
Although Texas has naturally high occurring levels of fluoride due to natural oil deposits, and rocks and sediments such as granite that add this natural fluoride to water sources, some counties area above others, such as Borden, Roosevelt and Hidalgo who are noted to have the highest in the states.
Is there fluoride in Edmonton water?
Fluoride has been added to Edmonton’s water supply since 1967 and is considered to be the easiest and most practical way to improve dental health and prevent tooth decay. When consumed, the mineral strengthens teeth by making the enamel more resistant to damage.
What type of fluoride is used in water?
The three main fluoride compounds generally used to fluoridate water are: sodium fluoride, hydrofluorosilicic acid (hexafluorosilicic acid) and sodium silicofluoride. All these fully mix (dissociate) in water, resulting in the availability of fluoride ions to prevent tooth decay.
What are the benefits of fluoride in toothpaste?
Fluoride toothpaste is very effective in preventing tooth decay. The amount of fluoride in toothpaste is usually enough to reduce decay. In areas where the water supply has fluoride added, fluoride toothpaste gives extra protection.
When was fluoride added to water in Texas?
Austin voters approved in the early 1970s and began adding it to its water in 1973. As the Texas Oral Health Coalition points out in this Viewpoints submission, Texas was on the cutting edge when fluoride was first introduced in the 1940s.
How can I test my water for fluoride?
Costing just pennies to make, the system only needs a drip and a flick: Drip a tiny water droplet into a prepared test tube, flick the tube once to mix it and wait. If the water turns yellow, then an excessive amount of fluoride — exceeding the EPA’s most stringent regulatory standards — is present.
Is fluoride treatment good for your teeth?
It’s been an essential oral health treatment for decades. Fluoride supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm teeth and gums. Tooth enamel is the outer protective layer of each tooth. Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at high risk of developing dental caries, or cavities.
What are the benefits of fluoride toothpaste?
All toothpaste helps remove plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums every day. Plaque can cause gum disease and tooth decay. In addition to helping remove plaque, fluoride toothpaste provides an extra benefit in preventing tooth decay by making tooth enamel stronger.
Does Okotoks water have fluoride?
Okotoks stopped the addition of fluoride in the drinking water on December 20, 2012, in accordance with the Town of Okotoks’ Water System Approval # 1029-03-00 (issued December 13, 2012). Fluoride naturally occurs in the Sheep River in concentrations varying throughout the year, between 0.22 and 0.23 mg/L.
Does Airdrie water have fluoride?
Since Airdrie gets the same water as Calgary, Airdrie residents do NOT get fluoride in your water either. It’s so important for you and your kids to get the right amounts of fluoride to prevent unnecessary decay.