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

  • bolexforsoup@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    2 months ago

    The answer is yes. This is becoming another stupid culture war initiated by the right over something that is essentially settled science. Fluoride in the water supply is not just fine, it’s good for your teeth. I am not mad at you for asking this question. I am mad that this has become enough of an issue to sow this kind of doubt.

    We have data consisting of over half a century of literally every American who has drank from the tap - so the overwhelming majority of Americans - supporting it.

    Even if we conceded more research needed to be done, which I am not conceding because we know a lot about it already, then by now because of the sheer number of people who have consumed it regularly we would have evidence to the contrary. Which we don’t. Much like with how if the vaccines were as dangerous as anti-vaxxers claimed we would know by now due to the sheer population of people that have already had it in their system for years

    • pb42184@lemmy.worldOP
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      2 months ago

      Wow, that does sound political!

      Again, I’m not at all talking about additives to municipal water. That’s clearly good. Just since my houses don’t have it I’m curious if there’s a missed opportunity for better.

      Seems like “yes but small” given already using fluoridated toothpaste

      • bolexforsoup@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        2 months ago

        Appreciate the cool head responding to me. I was probably a little more worried about subtext than I needed to be! I’ve just seen a massive surge in skepticism around fluoride lately and it has me concerned.

      • Cort@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        You can always add a fluoride mouthwash to your routine if you’re worried.