For people in Illinois, a glass of cool tap water does more than just keep them hydrated. As a result of a public health effort, Illinois’ drinking water helps people of all ages keep their teeth healthy and free of cavities. 

This is very important in Aurora, where the population is growing. Many people in Aurora drink water from the tap, so fluoridation is very important for keeping their teeth healthy. 

Even if your water is fluoridated, you should still see an Aurora dentist to get the best tooth care possible. It can be hard to find the right dentist, but there are so many skilled ones in Aurora that you are sure to find one that fits your requirements and preferences. 

Why fluoride is so important. 

Fluoride is a naturally found mineral that is known to be good for your teeth. The American Dental Association says that tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth, gets stronger when it is exposed to fluoride, mostly through toothpaste and drinking water. 

Plaque bacteria, which cause acid attacks, are a major cause of tooth loss. This strengthened enamel makes it harder for those acids to damage your teeth.

Fluoride has benefits that go beyond childhood. Colgate studies show that adults who drink water that has been fluoridated have much lower rates of cavities than people who do not. 

It stops cavities from starting in the first place, and it can also fix small areas of decay in their early stages by remineralizing them. 

Illinois’ water supply has a fluoride advantage. 

Community water fluoridation is a scheme in Illinois that puts dental health first. This project makes sure that the right amount of fluoride stays in public water sources. The Illinois Department of Public Health’s website allows people to find out about the fluoride state of their town.

It is very important to know how much fluoride is in your drinking water. If you live in Aurora and get your water from the public system, the best way to find out the exact fluoride percentage is to call the local water authority. 

You and your family need to know this information to make sure you are getting the right amount of fluoride for good oral health.

Maintaining good oral hygiene takes more than just fluoridated water. 

Not all people in Illinois use public water. People who get their water from private wells or bottles might not be getting enough fluoride. If your main source of drinking water does not have fluoride, here are some important things you can do to keep your teeth clean and healthy:

1. Take fluoride supplements. 

If you have kids younger than 14 years old, talk to your doctor about fluoride supplements. These products give you a fixed amount of fluoride and come in different forms, such as pills, drops, or lozenges.

2. Use fluoride toothpaste. 

Everyone needs to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, even if their drinking water has fluoride in it. To make sure the toothpaste is safe and works well, look for one with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

3. Maintain regular visits to the dentist. 

Make an appointment for yourself and your family to get regular oral checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can look at your specific needs and suggest other fluoride treatments, such as fluoride varnish, which is a thin film that is put on your teeth.

No matter what water source someone in Illinois uses, they can all benefit from good oral hygiene habits if they combine these habits with a healthy diet and drinking less sugary drinks. 

Residents of Illinois can improve their oral health by drinking water that has been treated with fluoride. Knowing the benefits of fluoride and taking extra steps when needed can help you and your family have strong, healthy smiles for a lifetime.