What is Fluoride and How Does It Work?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that can safely strengthen teeth to help prevent tooth decay and permanent tooth loss, which is usually caused by acids released by bacteria found in plaque. When a tooth’s surface is weakened by decay, fluoride can be absorbed into the weakened tooth surface to rebuild the enamel. Amazingly, the new tooth material created by this rebuilding process is even more durable than the original.
Most People Don’t Get Enough Fluoride
You never stop needing fluoride. The simple truth is that most people – kids and adults alike – don’t get enough. Consider the facts:
- 85% of all adults experience tooth decay.1Oral Health in America: a report of the U.S. Surgeon General, 2000:63, 74-94, 245.
- More than 60% of adults will lose a permanent tooth due to cavities.2“NIH Consensus Statement, Diagnosis and Management of Dental Caries Throughout Life” Vol. 18, Number 1, March 2001
- Over 30% of the U.S. population does not receive fluoridated water.3CDC Fluoridation Statistics 2006: Status of Water Fluoridation in the United States.
- The majority of bottled waters do not contain optimal levels of fluoride. And, some types of home water treatment systems can reduce the fluoride levels in water supplies.4American Dental Association website(www.ada.org), “Oral Health Topics: Bottle Water”
ACT® Does More
The daily use of a fluoride toothpaste is a vital part of any successful oral care program. But you may be shortchanging yourself if you rely on toothpaste alone. In fact, using water or a traditional non-fluoride mouthwash after brushing may wash away the fluoride your toothpaste left behind, greatly diminishing its effectiveness. Using ACT, which contains the maximum amount of fluoride available without a prescription, is a simple solution to make sure every member of your family gets the fluoride they need.
