How much FL2 should be consumed for effective dental health?

The correct answer highlights the effective level of fluoride for promoting dental health, which is 1 part per million (ppm). This concentration is widely recognized as beneficial for preventing dental caries (cavities) while minimizing the risk of dental fluorosis, a condition that can occur from excessive fluoride intake during the formative years of teeth development.

1 ppm fluoride in drinking water is an optimal level that ensures effective remineralization of enamel without leading to adverse effects. Communities that fluoridate their water systems typically aim to maintain this concentration to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their specific dental care habits, receive a protective benefit against decay.

The other concentrations are either too high or too low to be recommended for general dental health. For instance, concentrations above 1 ppm, like 3 ppm or 5 ppm, have been associated with an increased risk of dental fluorosis, especially in children. On the other hand, levels significantly lower than 1 ppm might not provide adequate protection against cavities, failing to meet the preventive health standards set by dental health organizations. Thus, the optimal intake that strikes a balance between effectiveness and safety is indeed 1 part per million.