First let me be clear: I’m not a crazy conspiracy person (…on this) I just don’t rely on a municipal well. As far as I know adding fluoride to the private well at my houses is not a thing, good or bad. I did drink municipal water for two years when I lived on campus in college.

That said, is fluoride a benefit to adults or just children?

When I was a kid I got fluoride treatments at the dentist, but then aged out. I’ve never had a cavity in forty years, but I’d like to keep it that way. Should I still be doing it?

Also no, I’m not using the internet as a substitute for a dentist, just my next dental appointment is in four months. TIA

  • dustyData@lemmy.world
    32·
    2 months ago

    Everyone, even dogs benefit from fluoride in the water. It’s not just children. Virtually all toothpaste contains it too. Some groundwater sources also contain it naturally, some even above the recommended max level from health associations. So I’d say, document yourself with official sources. Test your well levels, then decide. Be mindful that regular consumption of soft drinks, processed foods and even air conditioning nullifies the effects for cavities.

    • QualifiedKitten@lemmy.world
      2·
      2 months ago

      Be mindful that … air conditioning nullifies the effects for cavities.

      Got any sources for that? My admittedly very brief search just turned up a bunch of stuff about ventilation and COVID/aerosols.

        • QualifiedKitten@lemmy.world
          2·
          2 months ago

          I understand that air conditioning removes some moisture from the air, but just how much of an effect does it actually have on oral moisture? I was hoping to find some sort of studies with actual measurements of some sort.

    • pb42184@lemmy.worldOP
      0·
      2 months ago

      Thanks. The fluoride in the water itself is not directly relevant because I just don’t have it, but good evidence to raise the topic with my dentist as an adult. I definitely use fluoridated toothpaste.

      • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        2 months ago

        Yeah, if it’s in toothpaste you’re getting enough.

        If you wanted to add fluoride like after you doing well treatment…

        I honestly don’t know if that’s a good idea, because who knows how evenly it’ll stay mixed correctly.

        Like. You may end up getting a shit ton of fluoride when there’s no rain and your wells low, then barely any when it fills up.

        Fluoride toothpaste is likely your best bet for consistent doses.