Related Terms

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Background

• Fluoride is a chemical that is added to public water supply by many local governments in order to prevent tooth decay. Water fluoridation is the practice of adding supplemental fluoride in the form of sodium fluoride (NaF) to the water supply in order to help prevent dental caries in the general population.
• Fluoride is a slightly altered, or ionic, form of the chemical element fluorine.
• In 1951, two researchers from Indiana University published an article in the Journal of Nutrition, which reported that fluoride prevented tooth decay in rats fed corn and sugar. Following this paper, the University sold its fluoridation technology to Procter & Gamble, and the chemical was added to Crest® toothpaste.
• Fluoride compounds, such as calcium fluoride, are naturally occurring in drinking water and foods and usually in very small amounts. Today, fluoride is generally consumed in supplemental form because it is added to drinking water by many municipal governments.
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Technique

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Theory/Evidence

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Safety

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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