|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Fluoride Explained Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter, occurring in the earth's crust, in combination with other minerals in rocks and soil. Small amounts of fluoride occur naturally in all water sources, and varying amounts of the mineral are found in all foods and beverages. Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride to a concentration sufficient to protect against tooth decay. Thanks in large part to community water fluoridation, half of children ages 5 to 17 have never had a cavity in their permanent teeth. Fluoride's benefits are particularly important for those people, especially children, who lack adequate access to dental care. Water fluoridation has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher wrote in his report, Oral Health in America, "Community water fluoridation is safe and effective in preventing dental caries in both children and adults. Water fluoridation benefits all residents served by community water supplies regardless of their social or economic status." According to the April 2000 Journal of Dental Research, the use of fluoride since 1960 has been the primary factor in saving some $40 billion in oral health care costs in the United States. The annual cost of community water fluoridation is approximately $0.50 per person. The lifetime cost to provide fluoridated water to one person is less than the cost of a single dental filling. See more of this and other interesting stories at: HowStuffWorks
Other interesting topics on: HowStuffWorks:
Interest Rates are at 40 Year Lows! These are rates that won’t stay for long: the time is now to refinance, regardless of your credit history. Get free loan quotes on any type of mortgage, by visiting Save on your Credit Card interest or get a new Visa, Discover, American Express or MasterCard at To
get free quotes on any type of insurance, please visit For
quotes on auto, RV, motorcycle and boat insurance, please visit for the best in home insurance, visit and for companies
providing competitive prices on
|
