If you’ve recently moved to Midland Park or are raising kids here, you may have wondered: Does our tap water have fluoride? It’s a great question, and one we hear often at Midland Park Family Dentistry.
The short answer: No. The water supplied to Midland Park by Ridgewood Water is not fluoridated, which means fluoride isn’t added to the public supply.
Fluoride plays an important role in strengthening teeth and preventing cavities, so it’s helpful to know what this means for your family’s oral health – and what you can do to fill the gap.
Why Fluoride Matters
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps protect enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. It works by strengthening teeth and making them more resistant to cavity-causing acids and bacteria. Kids benefit the most as their permanent teeth develop, but adults need fluoride, too. In fact, communities that have fluoride in their water generally see fewer cavities across all ages.
Ridgewood Water and Midland Park: The Facts
Midland Park and several neighboring towns (Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock) get water from Ridgewood Water, which currently does not add fluoride. This doesn’t mean your family is at a disadvantage, it just means fluoride needs to come from other sources, like toothpaste, rinses or professional treatments.
How It Can Affect Your Family
For kids: Without fluoride in drinking water, children may be more prone to cavities, especially in the back teeth.
For adults: Enamel wear and root exposure (common with gum recession) can increase the risk of decay when fluoride isn’t part of the daily routine.
How We Help Protect Smiles
At Midland Park Family Dentistry, we offer several easy ways to make sure your family gets enough fluoride:
- Fluoride varnish after cleanings: A quick, painless treatment that strengthens enamel
- Product guidance: Recommendations for fluoride toothpaste and rinses based on age and risk
- Sealants for kids: A thin coating that protects molars where cavities often start
- Regular checkups: Early detection and prevention go hand in hand with fluoride protection
What About Fluoride Supplements?
Some children benefit from prescription fluoride tablets or drops. Whether this is right for your family depends on age, diet and cavity risk. We can discuss this during your child’s visit and coordinate with their pediatrician if needed.
The Bottom Line
Even without fluoride in Midland Park’s tap water, your family can still enjoy the same protection with a little extra care. From in-office treatments to smart at-home habits, we’ll help you keep every smile healthy and strong. Ready to give your family’s teeth extra protection? Call (201) 447-5555 to schedule a checkup.