People today come with different views concerning water fluoridation and its effects. Since the rise of controversies surrounding it, different states stopped fluoridating their tap water. This makes the rest who are undecided or confused as to how bad fluoride is and what it is really.

Fluoride is from fluorine which is a natural element found in the soil, water and foods that we eat. It is responsible for blocking bacterial growth and infections in the mouth. It is used in creating toothpastes, mouthwashes and other dental products. Water authorities have added fluoride to their municipal water supplies as a way of preventing cavities and tooth decay; and avoiding costly dental treatments for citizens that are not well off or have a hard time paying for dental procedures. Its main aim was to lower the risk of tooth decay in their respective municipalities to benefit the bigger number of the population. The population who can’t go on regular check-ups and the likes. The concerns about adding fluoride to the water supply rose when studies were made and led to the discovery of the negative effects of fluoride to the body.

Here are the findings too much exposure to fluoride.

Dental Fluorosis.  This occurs in developing children as characterized by the hypo mineralization of their tooth’s enamel. Ingesting too much fluoride as a child can lead to streaks of white in the teeth or teeth discoloration as these stages are the starting phase of enamel formation. This effect is irreversible but your dentist can give treatments to manage the entire appearance of the damaged teeth. This is usually not a threat to the tooth’s health but mostly on its appearance.

Skeletal Fluorosis. This type of disease cause painful damage that occurs in the joints and bones in severe cases. It also makes the bones stiff and less elastic which makes sufferers more prone to bone fractures and mobility.

Fluoride Poisoning. The excessive amounts of fluoride ingested could cause abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, seizures and muscle spasms. Although this is not likely to happen if you drink tap water, this could only happen if there were accidental contamination of the drinking water in your community.

The true intention of making communities free from tooth decay, cavities and other dental problems is great and well. It benefits the public and is a natural way of addressing dental health issues. The likelihood of ingesting large quantities of fluoride is also concerning. That’s because you may put your dental health and over-all health in the line. Thanks to fluorosis.

Every individual is entitled to have their own say about this issue. In suggested amounts or levels, fluoride is a very helpful element in dental and oral health. The bottom line is that anything in excess is always bad. People should speak to their dentists if they are experiencing symptoms of ingesting too much fluoride and one must not add fluoride supplements or products without the doctor’s permission.

Our smiles are definitely one of the most attractive and best ways to show our personality and emotions. Most people put off much effort in taking care of their oral and dental health to avoid dental issues and maintain the nice appearance of their teeth. Some would even go beyond their daily regimens and have dental cosmetic treatments to enhance their smiles.

People already know that sugary foods should be avoided as it prompts bacterial growth and increases the risk of gum disease. Apart from the usual warnings, people have no clue of other things that contribute to dental problems. There are times that the things that we do or considered as the norm can harm and damage our teeth. We unconsciously put our dental and oral health at risk by simple foods and habits. Here are some unusual ways and practices that damage our teeth.

Teeth bleaching. It is quite hard to believe that making your teeth look brighter could actually damage your teeth. Over bleaching and over whitening with the use of over-the-counter kits that you use at home damages the integrity of your tooth’s enamel. Enamel erosion makes your tooth more sensitive to cold and hot foods. This is one of the few things that people think would be great for their teeth but turns out to be damaging. It’s best to consult your dentist before trying out these kits and be guided according to your current dental health status.

Tongue posture. Many people do not know this but your tongue’s position can affect your dental and oral health. People who are used to or habitually clench and grind their teeth often lose their tooth structure; have cracked tooth, and broken teeth. The best way to address this is to keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth. When you rest your tongue properly, you can help relax your jaw and make you clench less.

Using toothpicks. We often utilize toothpicks after we eat to make sure that food particles stuck in between the teeth gets pulled out. This isn’t a bad idea when dealing with large particles and if done occasionally. Toothpicks become damaging to your teeth when used with extreme force that it actually punctures the gums. They should never be used in place of dental floss and soft-bristled toothbrushes. The spaces between your teeth can get infections with the splinters you might get. This damages your gums and can put you at risk of gum disease and in severe cases tooth decay.

These unusual causes and their effects like tooth decay, gum disease and other dental health problems are highly avoidable. Learning new things about what seemed to be the norm can make you see dental health differently.

You should always exercise good dental hygiene regimen. Plus to get a better understanding on your dental health, consult a dentist or get information straight from the source. Building a relationship with your dentist is also important. This promotes comfortable experience in a clinic, wherein a patient can freely ask questions and erase doubts.