At what concentration is fluoride most effective for dental health?

Fluoride is recognized for its beneficial role in promoting dental health, particularly in preventing tooth decay. The optimal concentration range identified for fluoride in drinking water, which provides effective dental health benefits while minimizing risks of dental fluorosis, is between 0.8 to 1.2 mg/l. This concentration range has been established based on numerous studies and is recommended by health organizations to balance the benefits of fluoride in strengthening tooth enamel with the potential adverse effects of excess fluoride exposure.

In this range, fluoride works to remineralize enamel and reduce the solubility of tooth material, thereby lowering the incidence of cavities. Lower concentrations, such as 0.1 mg/l and 0.5 mg/l, may not provide significant enough benefits to adequately protect against dental caries, while a concentration of 2.0 mg/l is higher than the recommended levels and increases the risk of dental fluorosis, particularly in children who are still developing their teeth. Therefore, the concentration of 0.8 to 1.2 mg/l is considered the ideal balance for optimal dental health benefits.