Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in bones and teeth. It can also be found in rocks, which release it into the soil, water, and air. Fluoride is used in dentistry to strengthen the enamel, which is the protective outer layer of teeth. This makes them better at fighting tooth decay. Small amounts of fluoride are added to sources of public drinking water in many countries, including the United States. The primary reason for this is to improve the dental health of the general public. Many people think this is a bad thing, but fluoride is actually keeping costly dental issues at bay. Read on to learn more about four ways that fluoride in drinking water benefits your community.

Every six months, you visit the dentist for your biannual checkups and cleanings. During your appointment, they take X-rays, thoroughly clean your teeth, and examine the oral cavity to ensure that there aren’t any problems that need to be addressed. Though all these steps make sense to you, there’s one thing that doesn’t: why do dentists take blood pressure? Read on to learn about three reasons why this information is helpful to your dentist and how it may benefit your oral and overall health.