The United States Department of Health and Human Services announced recently that the Public Health Service is adjusting its recommendation for municipal water fluoridation to .7 milligrams per liter of water. This simpler standard continues to limit cosmetic fluorosis (areas of enamel that are slightly whiter than their surroundings) while still providing the tooth strengthening and cavity fighting power of fluoride. The prior recommendation (.7 to 1.2 mg/liter) was provided 53 years ago in 1962. This affects the 200 million Americans currently receiving fluoridating water from their community supply.
How Much is .7?
How much is .7 milligrams per liter? The American Dental Association gave a series of comparisons. This amount of fluoride is the same as:
- One cent in $14,000,
- One minute in 1000 days,
- One inch in 23 miles!
This small amount of added fluoride, however, is extremely effective at preventing tooth decay. Before water fluoridation became routine, children suffered three times as many cavities as they do today!
The Placerville Dental Group and its dentists support the use of fluoride in your daily routine. It reduces oral bacteria, strengthens tooth enamel and is proven to be safe and effective. For more information about the history of fluoride use and its benefits, please read more here on our website.
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