SPECIALTIES

Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that has been added to public water supplies for nearly a century. In 1944, Michigan's own Grand Rapids was the first city in the world to take this step. Today, 70% of the world's population living in more than 133 countries benefit from the practice of adding low-levels of fluoride to the water their residents drink. Decades of research has shown that fluoride reduces cavities, increases oral health and has no realistic downsides. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control put the addition of fluoride to water systems — along with vaccines, recognition of smoking's health hazards, motor vehicle and workplace safety regulations — in the top 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th Century. It's safe, inexpensive, and effective in preventing tooth decay no matter what the economic status or access to care. And yet, remarkably, probably part of the trend of distrust in public institutions that has roiled the United States for many years, removing fluoride from the water is on the table. Here's what you need to know. In the early 1900s, oral cavities were commonplace among the population. Yet dentists noticed that there were some areas of the country where they were not. Researchers looked into the issue and found that, in some parts of the country, fluoride was naturally present in the water supply. They also noticed that many people who lived in those areas had discolored teeth. It turned out fluoride — more accurately really high levels of fluoride — were responsible for that too. After much study, scientists and doctors determined that a very low level of fluoride in water would prevent cavities and all the issues that come with them. In the United States, the recommended ratio is 0.7 milligrams fluoride per liter. Individual states can set their own levels, up to the maximum level of 4.0 milligrams per liter. Some people have suggested there are side effects from hip fractures to bone cancer to delays in brain development in fetuses and young children. All studies have proven there is no relationship to these concerns and fluoride at low levels. In some countries where fluoride naturally occurs at very high levels people can develop a condition whereby their bones become very brittle. There are no areas in the United States where that is a concern, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. While it may be good to question some institutions and long-held beliefs, questioning the efficacy of fluoride in public water supplies should not be one of them. It would be irresponsible to remove it.

Cavities: Chances are everyone you know has one — probably even more than one. But for something that is so widespread, people don't know a lot about them. Here are five interesting things (really!) about cavities and two tips for keeping them at bay. 1: A cavity, which dentists call "dental caries," is decay in a tooth. They are caused when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that breaks down tooth enamel. Though often painless, they can cause sensitivity, pain and, if left untreated, visible holes in the tooth. 2: People have known about cavities, and the treatment of them, for a long time. Fillings — what dentists put in the cavity to stop it from getting worse — have been found in cadavers that date back 10,000 years. Those fillings have ranged from beeswax to gold to silver and tin. Today's cavities are mostly filled with a resin that can be matched to the color of your teeth. No more unsightly metal! 3: It isn't the sugar causing the cavities, it's the acid your mouth produced by bacteria that has to break down the sugars. It's best to limit sugar intake and acidic foods and drinks like pop. And don't think you're OK switching to diet pop — the acid in those drinks contributes to cavities. 4: Because saliva plays an important part in preventing cavities, dry mouth puts you at risk for cavity growth. That's another reason to stay hydrated — but drink water, not pop. And let the hygienist or dentist if you are taking any medications or have any conditions that make your mouth dry. 5: Leaving cavities untreated can lead to other health problems. Early detection is key — that's why dentists take x-rays of your mouth — to catch and treat a cavity before it becomes a more painful issue, like an abscess, a broader infection or even tooth loss. Bad oral hygiene has also been linked to heart disease, so visit Huszti Dental Care twice a year. And now the two tips on how to prevent cavities. You know what they are: 1: Brush well. 2: Floss regularly. It's that simple to keep cavities away, so do the smart thing. Your mouth and your whole body will thank you.