Have you had your fluoride today? Published Feb. 15, 2007 By Capt. (Dr.) Eric Smith 60th Dental Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Everyone enjoys the crisp, refreshing taste a glass of water brings after a long workday. But did you know a glass of tap water could help you fight tooth decay? Beginning in Grand Rapids, Mich., fluoride, a naturally occurring element, has been added to community tap water for more than 60 years. So how does adding fluoride to tap water help fight tooth decay? While teeth are forming, fluoride from drinking water incorporates into the enamel, or outer layer, of your teeth. This strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to decay. As permanent teeth begin to form, fluoride is a vital part of ensuring strong teeth maturing. Fluoride through direct contact with teeth also helps to remineralize teeth after decay has started. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that water fluoridation is the most efficient way to prevent one of the most common childhood diseases, tooth decay. Even with the CDC's recommendation to have fluoridated water, some communities choose not to fluoridate their water. Additionally, some people choose to drink only bottled or filtered water. The American Dental Association reports that people who only drink bottled or filtered water could be missing the decay-preventing effects of optimally fluoridated water due to bottled waters not containing optimal levels of fluoride. For more information about the benefits of fluoridated water, call the Dental Clinic at 423-7004.