Q. What is fluoride?
A. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources. It is an ion that comes from the element fluorine and is always found in combination with another element. Fluorine is the 13th most common element on the planet. Fluoride has been proven to be effective in preventing and even reversing the early signs of tooth decay.

Q. Our city water has fluoride, isn't that enough?
A. City water if it is fluoridated goes a long way toward ensuring that you are getting enough into your system. Today there is a tendency to filter the water we drink, or to drink bottled water and we may not be getting the fluoride we need into our systems. Topical treatments through the dentist or through the use of fluoride toothpastes helps. If necessary fluoride supplements can be used.

Q. Isn't adding fluoride to the drinking water dangerous?
A. No. The addition of fluoride to water has led to the widespread improvement in dental health. Studies comparing areas with and without fluoridation showed significantly lower cavity rates in communities with fluoridation.

Q. Should I have fluoride applied at the dentist?
A. That is your own choice. The advantage to that type of application is that it goes directly into the teeth where fluoride is needed. It becomes part of an over-all preventive approach and increases the potential of you never losing your teeth.