Fluoride: Why is it so important in daily oral hygiene? Published Feb. 8, 2012 By Capt. Wah-Yung Tsang 51st Dental Squadron OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- In honor of February's National Children's Dental Health Month, Capt. (Dr.) Wah-Yung Tsang, 51st Dental Squadron dentist, put together several facts about oral health to help improve dental hygiene. What is fluoride and its benefits? Fluoride is a natural element that strengthens the enamel to become more resistant to decay, and it helps remineralize early decay. If people drink optimally fluoridated water from birth, studies show children will have 65 percent fewer cavities and 90 percent fewer tooth extractions. As adults, they will have 40 to 50 percent fewer decayed, missing or filled teeth. How was fluoride discovered and where is fluoride found nowadays? Fluoride was first discovered 1901 in Colorado Springs, Colo., by Dr. Frederick McKay who found 90 percent of Colorado Springs natives with grotesque brown stains on their teeth, yet these teeth were surprisingly and inexplicably resistant to decay. Years of research revealed the reason was high level of fluoride in the local water source. Ever since, fluoride has been dental science's main weapon in the battle against tooth decay. Nowadays, fluoride is found in both topical and systemic form. Topical fluoride: Toothpastes, fluoride varnishes, and gels used in dental offices. Systemic fluoride: Dietary supplements, foods (canned sardines with bones, fish without bones, chicken, etc.), soft drinks, juices, bottled water, tea and tap water in certain zip codes. What is the optimal level? Most children get fluoride from tap water and toothpaste. When water is fluoridated, it is between 0.7 and 1.2 milligrams of fluoride per liter. Many studies have found this to decrease the incidence of dental cavities while minimizing the risk of dental fluorosis and other adverse effects. Children under 6 months old should not use formula mixes with fluoridated water. Too much fluoride can lead to enamel fluorosis, which can result in teeth with white spots or other staining patterns. The shown table reflects age appropriate amount of drinking fluoride intake. For example, an adequate amount of fluoride intake for a 5 years old boy is 1mg, which is equivalent to four 8-ounce glasses of water. One important thing to keep in mind is Osan Air Base's tap water is not fluoridated. In the past, Osan dental providers have recommended prescription fluoride supplements for our pediatric population. We now recommend fluoridated bottled drinking water over prescription fluoride supplements because it is a more consistent way to provide a source of systemic fluoride for our base community. This recommendation is confirmed by a review from the U.S. Air Force Consultant's to the Surgeon General for Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health. Rule of thumb: 1) Do not swallow large amounts of toothpaste and keep toothpaste out of reach of young children 2) Do not rinse after brushing teeth to let fluoride coat surface of teeth 3) Do not take a fluoride supplement if you are already getting fluoride from your tap water 4) Use Diamond Water and Nursery purified water If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the 51st Dental Squadron at DSN 784-2108. Here are suggestions for adequate intake for fluoride