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Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water sources. It is also added to some public water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can also be found in some dental products, such as toothpaste and mouthwashes.
The recommended level of fluoride for optimal dental health is 0.7 mg/L (milligrams per liter). Too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, which results in white spots on the teeth. Dental fluorosis is not harmful and is only cosmetic. However, it can be prevented by using fluoride-containing products as directed and monitoring the levels of fluoride in public water supplies.