Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods, plants, drinks, and products. It helps prevent tooth decay and stimulates bone production. Tooth decay occurs when the tooth’s enamel breaks down due to acids. These acids are produced when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds upon the teeth.

Fortunately, fluoride may repair weak spots in tooth enamel before they become and cause tooth decay. This mineral may also make teeth more resistant to acidic erosion and remineralize the teeth. Let’s take a look at the importance of incorporating fluoride into our oral health routine:

Fluoride on Teeth Benefits: The Importance of Using Fluoride

Adding fluoride to your routine is critical because it may help prevent and reverse gum disease. Gingivitis, a common form of gum disease, frequently develops due to poor oral hygiene habits, enabling harmful plaque to accumulate on your teeth. When this plaque remains on your teeth, it can lead to the development of tartar and bacteria along the gum line. As a result, your gums may become irritated and bleed. If gingivitis is left untreated, you may experience periodontitis, tooth decay, or even tooth loss.

Fortunately, fluoride helps strengthen dental enamel, the protective outer layer on the tooth’s surface, and limit damage from cavity causing bacteria as bacteria produce acids that wear teeth down. It also means fluoride helps rebuild weakened enamel, reverses early tooth decay, and may lower the risk of cavities before teeth break down further. Fluoride is especially beneficial for children with developing teeth, including baby teeth and later permanent teeth, because they need enough fluoride to keep teeth strong and support lifelong oral health.

Common Sources of Fluoride

Water

One of the primary sources of fluoride intake is drinking water, and fluoride is a natural, naturally occurring mineral found in many water sources, including tap water. Although fluoride is found naturally in water sources, communities may add fluoride to the public water supply to maintain recommended fluoride levels, and many families ask how much fluoride is appropriate in drinking water to support healthy teeth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that drinking fluoridated water lowers cavities by 25% in children and adults, helping prevent cavities and prevent tooth decay as part of good oral health and long-term dental health. In fact, the following organizations recommend community water fluoridation:

• The American Dental Association
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• US Public Health Service
• World Health Organization

There is strong scientific evidence supporting community water fluoridation, and families should drink fluoridated water when it is available. Due to its ability to reduce cavities, the CDC listed community water fluoridation as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.

Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthrinse

Numerous kinds of toothpaste and mouth rinses are common fluoride products that support daily dental care. Using them correctly and brushing twice a day helps fluoride work on the tooth surface to protect enamel from sugary foods and early damage.

Fluoride Supplements

Fluoride supplements are available by prescription-only and in tablet, drop, or lozenge forms. However, they are only recommended for some children six months to 16 years when local drinking water does not provide enough fluoride, and a dentist or doctor may advise additional fluoride based on cavity risk. For younger patients with developing teeth, supplements may be considered to support early dental health and overall health with professional guidance.

Professional Dental Products

When visiting your dentist, a professional application in a dental office or dentist’s office may include fluoride gel, fluoride varnish, foam, or rinse. Patients at high risk for decay may need frequent treatments or more frequent treatments to help prevent cavities. These forms of fluoride are considerably more concentrated than the fluoride in toothpaste, which is why they are not needed as frequently.

Fluoride Side Effects and How to Prevent Tooth Decay

One potential side effect of fluoride is known as dental fluorosis. This condition is characterized by white spots on the surface of your teeth, which occurs from using too much fluoride while your forming tooth enamel is still developing. Although dental fluorosis has cosmetic effects, the condition does not cause your teeth harm.

Because this side effect is linked to overexposure, families should ask a dentist how much fluoride is appropriate before using supplements or other concentrated products.

To prevent the development of dental fluorosis:

• Use fluoride toothpaste only twice a day
• For children younger than three, use no more than a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• For children three to six years old, only use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Always supervise your child when they brush to make sure they use the right amount of toothpaste and to encourage them to spit it all out when they are finished

Get Fluoride Treatment at Abra Dental

Fluoride treatment is a safe and effective method to enhance long-term oral health, and both children and adults can benefit from fluoride use. At Abra Dental, our fluoride treatment is the key final step in our dental cleaning process. Our fluoride treatments are foamy and inserted into a mouthpiece that is placed over your teeth for just one minute. Patients at high risk of decay or showing early signs may also benefit from fluoride through professional care.

If you are interested in bringing in your child for a dental cleaning or would like to talk to one of our dentists about fluoride, discuss whether your child needs additional fluoride or professional treatment at Abra Dental today.