Since 1987, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has practiced dentistry in the greater Nashville area. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, he earned his Doctorate of Dental Science in 1984. In 1986 Dr. David Snodgrass DDS received his pediatric dentistry certificate from Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to his practice, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS currently serves at Vanderbilt University in the capacity of a part-time professor of pediatric dentistry.

1. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS Reveals Some Long Term Effects of
Fluoride
Dr. David Snodgrass DDS reports that fluoride can be a useful
substance for teeth in the appropriate amounts. In previous
generations, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, the benefits of fluoride
were so popularized that most American cities added fluoride to their
drinking water to make absolutely sure that children got enough.
Sometime over the last 50 years, notes Dr. David Snodgrass DDS,
“enough” fluoride may have become too much. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS acknowledges that
fluoride was once rightfully credited with significantly decreasing tooth decay by strengthening
tooth enamel. These days, however, parents and pediatric dentists like Dr. David Snodgrass DDS
are exploring the alternatives.
According to Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, comprehensive studies have not been conducted
regarding the total effects of fluoride over-exposure. Over consumption of fluoride, says Dr.
David Snodgrass DDS, can lead to “fluorosis,” a condition identified by the splotchy discoloring
of tooth enamel. Tooth enamel discoloration may not be the only symptom of fluorosis, adds Dr.
David Snodgrass DDS. In fact, there are no clear quantifications of fluoride over-exposure, says
Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, meaning that no one knows how to accurately count the amount of
fluoride that causes fluorosis.
Dr. David Snodgrass DDS says that research shows fluoride is most effective in young teeth that
are still growing and building up their enamel. For adults, maintaining a fluoride intake equal to
that of childhood is excessive, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, and often leads to conditions like
fluorosis. Fluoride has been in drinking water and toothpaste for so long, adds Dr. David
Snodgrass DDS, that it is clear people are getting too much of it. One study suggests that the
fluoride kids consume in drinking water alone during their childhood, reports Dr. David
Snodgrass DDS, is enough to invite mild fluorosis in adult teeth. However, Dr. David Snodgrass
DDS acknowledges, not all dentists agree that fluorosis is a serious condition, since it is often too
mild to merit cosmetic treatment. If you are a parent with questions about the effects of fluoride
on your child’s teeth, give the Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates a call to learn more.
For more information about the pediatric dental services offered by Snodgrass-King Pediatric
Dental Associates, visit them online at http://snodgrassking.com.