Study Shows Fluoride in Drinking Water Helps Prevent Tooth Decay
Recently, researchers at the University of North Carolina and the University of Adelaide, Australia found strong evidence suggesting that many more people than previously thought can benefit from fluoridated water.
Published in March, the study is the first population-level study of its kind. It indicates that fluoridated water can reduce the risk of developing tooth decay in adults, no matter their age or previous consumption of fluoridated water during childhood.
The data gathered consisted of a survey of 3,779 adults (ages 15 and older) from Australia between 2004 and 2006. Researchers examined levels of decay as well as took into account the fluoride from community water supplies that participants had lived off since 1964. The researchers were then able to determine the percentage of public fluoridated water that each participant had been exposed to during their lifetime.
The results showed that participants who spent 75 percent of their lifetime living in communities with fluoridated water had considerably less tooth decay than adults who lived less than 25 percent of their lives in such communities.
In the past it was thought that only kids could benefit from consuming fluoridated water. However, this study adds a new dimension to the dental health benefits of fluoridation for adults.
Dr. Kevin Sands regularly performs cosmetic dentistry for some of Hollywood’s most famous smiles and looks forward to meeting you during your initial consultation. To schedule an appointment at his Beverly Hills cosmetic dentistry practice, please call (310) 273-0111 today.