541
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
this post was submitted on 09 Sep 2023
541 points (97.9% liked)
Science
13259 readers
45 users here now
Subscribe to see new publications and popular science coverage of current research on your homepage
founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
Does fluoride do anything for adults? I had a retired MD-credentialed public health director recently tell me that it only is useful for the first (7? Can’t remember) years of life.
Mineral constantly comes in and out of the enamel crystal matrix due to acid challenge (which occurs for a variety of reasons), and including fluoride when it goes back in creates a more acid resistant crystal.
This occurs no matter the age of the individual. Systemic uptake is something to be mindful of at young ages, so it's actually important to have not too much when younger, but you can go up to an adult dose past the age of 7.
That’s what I had always heard. He told me the contrary info but then said he still ordered the water to be fluoridated back when he took over a health director position. He’s not a conspiracy guy so I wonder where he got his info. He could be just a bit flaky with age.