What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, soil, water, tea and some grains and vegetables. It strengthens tooth enamel, makes it more resistant to acid and slows the growth of decay-causing bacteria, which is why it is added to toothpaste and mouth rinses. Western Australia has fluoridated its drinking water since 1968, at an optimum level of 0.7 to 0.9 mg/L, which the Department of Health has found safe and effective.

Key Points

• How Fluoride Helps Teeth
• Fluoride in Toothpaste
• Is the Water Fluoridated in Northam?
• Which Towns Near Northam Have Fluoridated Water?
• Do I Still Need Fluoride Toothpaste if the Water is Fluoridated?
• Study by the National Health and Medical Research Council

How Fluoride Helps Teeth

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a crucial role in dental health. It is found in various sources, including rocks, soil, water, tea, and certain grains and vegetables. Chemically, it is the ionic form of the element fluorine and is known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

When fluoride is incorporated into the structure of teeth, it enhances their resistance to tooth decay and inhibits the growth of harmful oral bacteria. As a result, it has become a common ingredient in many dental care products, such as toothpaste and mouth rinses.

In addition to topical applications, systemic fluoride exposure occurs when it is ingested through fluoridated drinking water or dietary sources. Public health initiatives have promoted water fluoridation as an effective measure to reduce dental caries in communities. However, it’s essential to balance fluoride intake since excessive exposure can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition that affects the appearance of teeth.

Fluoride in Toothpaste

To make the most of your toothpaste, brush your teeth as normal but only spit out the excess, don’t rinse. Leaving the toothpaste on your teeth rather than rinsing lets the fluoride work on the enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to decay.

Is the Water Fluoridated in Northam?

Yes. Northam is one of the Western Australian towns with a fluoridated public water supply, and has been since WA began fluoridating in 1968. The Department of Health sets an optimum level of 0.7 to 0.9 mg/L for each supply district, with a legal maximum of 1.0 mg/L under the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1966.

Fluoride at this level strengthens enamel and reduces decay across a whole community, including people who never visit a dentist. It is the reason tap water is a better everyday drink for your teeth than bottled water, most of which is not fluoridated.

Which towns near Northam have fluoridated water?

The Department of Health lists these towns in our area as having fluoridated supplies:

• Northam
• York
• Toodyay
• Beverley
• Cunderdin
• Quairading
• Kellerberrin
• Wyalkatchem
• Dowerin
• Wongan Hills
• Wundowie

Smaller communities such as Bakers Hill, Clackline, Meckering, Grass Valley, Jennacubbine, Goomalling and Tammin are not listed individually. Many smaller Wheatbelt communities share a source or treatment plant with a nearby regional centre, so their water may well be fluoridated too — Water Corporation can confirm the scheme for a specific address. You can check the current list on the HealthyWA fluoride page.

Do I Still Need Fluoride Toothpaste if the Water is Fluoridated?

Yes. Fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste work in different ways and are not interchangeable. Water delivers a small amount of fluoride repeatedly throughout the day, while toothpaste puts a much higher concentration directly onto the enamel where decay starts. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is still the single most effective thing you can do at home, whether or not your water is fluoridated.

If you are on rainwater or bore water rather than scheme water, your intake from drinking water may be lower, and that is worth mentioning at your next check-up so we can advise whether anything further would help.

Study by the National Health and Medical Research Council

Recently, the National Health and Medical Research Council undertook a study regarding the safety of fluoride in drinking water. The results showed:

• Current levels are safe
• It is an effective way of reducing dental decay in both kids and adults
• There is no evidence to show that fluoride consumption at these levels causes cancer or thyroid dysfunction
• Fluoride in water has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation, the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Dental Association and the American Academy of Paediatrics

Children born since the 1970s have less than half the dental decay their parents’ generation had, which is attributed to water fluoridation.

Learn more on the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) website about water fluoridation and human health.

Avon Valley Dental Centre Northam

For dental checkups and appointments, please contact us or book online