If you've taken the time to inspect the ingredients of your favorite toothpaste or mouthwash, odds are you've noticed an ingredient called fluoride. Included in many products for your teeth as well as used in a normal basis as a part of your dental exam, the American Dental Association and other dental experts believe that fluoride is the best possible way to prevent human tooth decay. As the years have progressed, the ADA has petitioned communities to include the use of fluoride in their drinking water (a process known as fluoridation) to help the increase of better oral health and decrease the potential for tooth decay.

Since the use of the mineral has been proven to be so important to the health of your teeth, how can you be certain if you're getting enough fluoride in your water-- and what can you do to supplement it if you're not?

Fluoridation

The difference in instances of tooth decay between individuals who have fluoridated water is huge: in studies, those who had fluoridated water in their community have shown to have had a reduction in tooth decay of 25 percent.

The United States Center for Disease Control has determined that the process is safe for all those consuming the water-- and additionally it saves the consumer money as they avoid costly dental treatments to fix decayed teeth.

Since this has been found to be the best possible way to strengthen your teeth, it's important to check with your water company and see if the water you drink has fluoride included. By simply calling the number on your monthly bill, you should easily be able to obtain an answer from your city's water department.

Additional Sources

As previously mentioned, it's not a surprise to many people to find that toothpaste or other products created specifically for your teeth contain the mineral. To the surprise of most, however, fluoride can actually be found naturally in many different kinds of processed foods or mechanically separated meats.

Additionally, habitual tea drinkers can rest assured that they'll be getting a proper amount of fluoride, as the mineral resides naturally in tea leaves after the plant absorbs it from the soil.

Getting Enough to Protect Your Teeth

The reality is that it doesn't really matter where you get your fluoride-- just that you do consume it somehow. Whether you drink water that has gone through the process of fluoridation or you consume the right amount through eating certain food and drinking tea, experts agree on one important thing: your teeth will thank you as the potential for decay disappears.

To learn more, contact a company like Montillo Dental Associates Braintree with any questions you have.