Fluoride
is a mineral that occurs naturally in water sources and is derived from
fluorine, the 17th most abundant element in the earth’s crust.
Fluoride
is nature’s cavity fighter. It prevents
tooth decay by making the tooth structure stronger, so teeth are more resistant
to tooth decaying bacteria (acid attacks) and reduces the chance of getting
cavities. Fluoride has significant health benefits for children and
adults. Early studies have shown that
fluoridated water reduced tooth decay in children as much as 60% and reduced
adult tooth decay by 35%. Recent studies prove that fluoridated water continues
to be effective and reduced tooth decay in children and adults by 20-40%.
Fluoride can benefit both children and
adults
·
Prevents tooth decay
·
Strengthens tooth enamel
·
Remineralizes/repairs enamel that has been
damaged by bacteria (acid attacks)
·
Reverses early decay
Fluoride
benefits people with these medical conditions and/or dental problems:
·
Dry mouth
(xerostomia) caused by medication.
Reduction of saliva flow increases the risk of tooth decay.
·
Effects
of radiation therapy. Radiation damages the salivary gland and
reduces the production of saliva. This causes dry mouth and increases the risk
of tooth decay.
·
Gum
recession and exposure of the root
of the tooth. The exposed root is more susceptible to root decay. Studies
show that more than half of adults over age 75 have had root decay.
·
Recent
tooth decay within the last year. Bacteria in the mouth can lead to new
cavities. Fluoride should be an important part of the daily oral health care
regimen.
·
Teeth that have had Crown or bridge restorations are susceptible to tooth decay due to
margin leakages.
·
Orthodontic
treatment- orthodontic brackets on the enamel surfaces of the teeth make it
challenging for people to maintain good oral hygiene. Teeth are susceptible to
decalcification (early stage of tooth decay).
If
one or more of these conditions applies to you, talk to your dentist to see
whether you would benefit from a topical fluoride treatment.
Fluoride is obtained in two forms: Topical
and systemic
Topical fluorides strengthen tooth enamel and teeth become more
resistant to tooth decay. Topic
fluorides are toothpastes, mouth rinses and professionally applied fluorides.
·
Self –Applied
The American Dental
Association (ADA) recommends that children over
the
age of 2 and adults use fluoridated toothpaste to brush their teeth daily.
·
Professionally applied fluorides are in the form
of a gel, foam or rinse. They are
applied by the dentist or dental hygienist in the dental office.
Systemic fluorides are
ingested into the body and become incorporated into
forming tooth structures.
Systemic fluorides are water fluoridation and dietary
fluoride supplements.
·
Community water fluoridation
The American Dental
Association, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry support community water
fluoridation. It is safe and effective and it reduces tooth decay in children
and adults.
·
Dietary fluoride supplements
Fluoride supplements are
recommended only for children living in non-
fluoridated areas and at
high risk of developing tooth decay.
Is fluoride safe?
Fluoride
is safe when the right amount of it is used. Most children and adults get the
right amount of fluoride through a combination of fluoridated water,
fluoridated toothpaste and professionally applied fluoride in the dental
office.
For children under the age of six, too much
fluoride can cause enamel fluorosis, a discoloration or mottling of the
permanent teeth. Most cases are due to inappropriate use of fluoride-containing
dental products, such as toothpastes and mouth rinses.
These are a few useful
reminders:
·
Parents can brush babies’ teeth with an infant
toothbrush, using water with just a smear of toothpaste until about age 2.
·
Children over the age of 2 should use fluoridated
toothpaste that carries the ADA’s seal of acceptance.
·
Children under the age of 6 should be supervised
when brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and be taught to spit and not swallow.
·
Children should use only a pea-size amount of
toothpaste.
·
Children under age 6 should never use
fluoride-containing mouth rinses.
Dr.
Anna Lee’s dental office uses the latest technology to provide fluoride
treatments that are quick, comfortable and effective. If you have any questions
about fluoride treatments, please call Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 for a
complimentary examination. Or visit us
at www.annaleedds.com
