Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.
In this week’s podcast, I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Susan Creech, DDS about FLUORIDE. As many of you know, fluoride has long been heralded as the gold standard in dental care, recognized for its efficacy in remineralizing teeth and preventing cavities. However, a rising star in the dental world, HYDROXYAPATITE, offers an equally effective alternative, particularly appealing to those who prefer a more natural approach.
It’s an ongoing hot topic, and I wanted Dr. Creech’s perspective on the facts. Whether you’re a fluoride advocate or curious about hydroxyapatite, I hope you’ll listen to this episode.
PODCAST NOTES
Fluoride, as well as hydroxyapatite, play a crucial role in remineralizing teeth. Both substances have been found to be equally effective in reversing early stages of tooth decay and strengthening tooth enamel, making them pivotal in preventative dental care.
Fluoride’s introduction into public water systems dates back to the 1940’s, with Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving as the pioneering city. The initiative led to a significant decrease in cavity prevalence among children, marking a watershed moment in public dental health efforts. This success story was further underscored by the CDC’s recognition in 1999 of water fluoridation as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, evidencing its broad impact.
The CDC’s acknowledgement highlights the impressive results achieved through regulated fluoride use in community water systems, which has been instrumental in significantly reducing dental caries on a population-wide scale. Dental professionals continue to endorse fluoride varnish applications post-cleaning due to its proven efficacy in dental caries prevention.
Despite its recognized benefits, fluoride has not been free of controversy. Various studies, some indicating potential links between high fluoride exposure and lowered IQ or neurological issues, have sparked ongoing debates. Concerns also extend to systemic health impacts, including potential adverse effects on the endocrine system - particularly the thyroid, kidneys, and pituitary gland - as well as the immune system.
Professional dental treatments frequently employ fluoride varnish to enhance its protective benefits. Fluoride helps in creating a binding layer with calcium and phosphate, forming fluorapatite that protects teeth against decay. Dr. Creech emphasized the importance of these treatments in holistic dental care, despite public concerns surrounding fluoride use.
Another critical point raised was the importance of regulated fluoride usage due to its toxicity in excessive amounts. Overexposure can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, conditions marked by discoloration and damage to teeth and bones. As such, careful dosing and monitoring are crucial to harness fluoride’s dental benefits while avoiding adverse health effects.
Public concerns about fluoride have led some communities to opt out of water fluoridation programs. These decisions illustrate the varied public perception and the need for dental professionals to provide comprehensive information to help communities and individuals make informed choices.
Fluoride remains a cornerstone of dental education, with dental schools and professionals advocating its use. However, there’s also a growing interest in alternatives like hydroxyapatite for those who prefer non-fluoride options. Dr. Creech’s holistic approach to dentistry includes providing these alternatives to accommodate patient preferences and health needs, reflecting an evolving landscape of dental care.
I am continually fascinated and encouraged by the advancements in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There is no one size fits all when it comes to medical treatment of any kind, which is why this podcast is what it is…Common Sense.
A HUGE thank you to Dr. Creech for bringing us the facts about Fluoride and giving us options to think about. Education is the key to good health so….
Stay educated. Stay healthy.
Till next time.
