Fluoride

For decades, fluoride has been held in high regard by the dental community as an important mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, which thereby helps to prevent decay of tooth structures. It is very important to remember that fluoride strengthens the outer shell of the tooth while the inside remains relatively vulnerable. The bacteria that cause decay thrive on SUGAR, period. So if sugar is consumed decay is possible, with or without fluoride.
There is an observable difference in teeth that have been exposed to fluoride and those that have not. As pointed out above, the outer enamel layer does become harder. However, this does not shield the tooth from bacteria lodging between the teeth and hiding in the pits and fissures.

Water fluoridation is endorsed by nearly every major health and safety-related organization in the world. Communities make it a common practice to "fluoridate" their drinking supplies in order for the general population to benefit from this inexpensive and effective preventative treatment. According to the American Dental Association, more than 144 million U.S. residents in more than 10,000 communities drink fluoridated water, most from public water supplies with sodium fluoride added artificially.
This is not to say there are not critics of the practice. The Green Party in the UK calls the practice "forced medication" and they say that fluoride is a "poison." It is true, like anything else in life, too much is a bad thing. Over-fluoridation causes osteoporosis and brittle bones. The problem we have in the US is that we eat too much sugar. It is in almost all of our food.

Bottled water, home water treatment systems, and fluoride exposure

Can you avoid fluoride exposure if you choose? Yes, the consistent use of bottled water and water filter systems will reduce fluoride exposure.

ADA statement on FDA toothpaste warning labels

The American Dental Association's Council on Scientific Affairs believes that one part of the warning now required on fluoride toothpastes by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could unnecessarily frighten parents and children, and that the label greatly overstates any demonstrated or potential danger posed by fluoride toothpastes. The label language, "If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately", is now required on all fluoride toothpastes. But the ADA, in a letter sent to the FDA last year, pointed out that a child could not absorb enough fluoride from toothpaste to cause a serious problem and that the excellent safety record on fluoride toothpaste argues against any unnecessary regulation.

Enamel fluorosis

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child may face a condition called enamel fluorosis if he or she receives too much fluoride during the years of tooth development. Too much fluoride can result in defects in tooth enamel but there may be another cause.

Amoxicillin given in infancy may cause dental fluorosis.
"It has been speculated that amoxicillin use could be associated with dental enamel defects," writes Liang Hong, DDS, MS, PhD, from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, and colleagues. "Dental fluorosis is one of the most common developmental enamel defects, which results from exposure to excessive fluoride during enamel formation. Its histopathologic characteristic is hypomineralization of tooth enamel and the clinical signs range from barely noticeable white flecks to confluent pits and undesirable dark brown stains."

"The findings from this study suggest a link between amoxicillin use during infancy and developmental enamel defects of permanent teeth; however, further research is needed," Liang Hong, DDS, MS, PhD, from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, and colleagues.

CDC web site provides information on community water fluoridation

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MWF/Index.asp

People seeking information on whether their water system is fluoridated, can now find out by visiting a new Web site at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new feature, "My Water's Fluoride," allows consumers in participating states to check out basic information about their water system, including the number of people served by the system and the target fluoridation level. Optimal levels recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service and CDC for drinking water range from 0.7 parts per million (ppm) for warmer climates, to 1.2 ppm for cooler climates accounting for the tendency to drink more water in warmer climates. States that are currently participating include Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.