Nobody likes coming to the dentist to have a cavity filled! Many of our patients ask us how to stop a cavity before it happens. Fluoride, a mineral found naturally in some foods and in water, can be a great tool for the strengthening of tooth enamel and the prevention of tooth decay. Incorporating fluoride into your dental routine carries a variety of benefits.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay occurs when minerals are being stripped from the teeth (demineralization) faster than they are being deposited (remineralization). Over time, enough material can be lost that the tooth itself becomes compromised, leading to decay and sometimes, cavities and infections.
How does fluoride work?
Fluoride works by making teeth more resistant to decay caused by acid and sugars. This is accomplished through a process called remineralization, where minerals like fluoride are deposited onto the enamel of teeth to replace what is lost through day to day use.
Fluoride occurs naturally in certain foods. You might be surprised to learn that it can be found in black teas and raisins, and in our water sources, such as lakes and rivers. And, because it provides such good protection from tooth decay, it has been added to dental products to help prevent cavities.
Fluoride works for both children and adults. It’s true! Before teeth even erupt through the gums, fluoride taken in from certain foods and supplements makes tooth enamel stronger and therefore more resistant to decay. After teeth erupt, brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel, reversing early signs of cavity formation. In addition, the fluoride you consume becomes a part of your saliva, constantly bathing your teeth with tiny amounts of the cavity fighter. While it is critical for infants and children to be exposed to fluoride when primary and permanent teeth are forming, new research indicates that topical fluoride is just as important in fighting tooth decay for adults!
Use the correct amount of toothpaste to benefit your teeth. While all toothpaste removes plaque (a thin film of bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay), only toothpaste with fluoride can prevent tooth decay by making teeth stronger. Make sure you’re using the correct amount of toothpaste with your children!
- For very little ones, under 3 years of age, parents and caregivers should begin gently brushing teeth as soon as they come into the mouth with an amount of fluoridated toothpaste the size of a few grains of rice.
- For children ages 3 to 6, a pea-size amount of toothpaste is best. Everyone should brush their teeth twice a day and make sure to supervise children to help instill good habits.
Some mouth rinses also contain fluoride. You may already be protecting your teeth with fluoride without even knowing it! However, mouth rinses should not be used with children under the age of 6, as they may not be able to use it appropriately.
You MAY have fluoride in your water. Your community may have chosen water fluoridation (simply adding fluoride to drinking water) as a public health benefit. Water fluoridation is safe, effective, and healthy. The Center for Disease Control has noted water fluoridation as one of the ten best public health achievements of the 20th century.
Some states add fluoride to the public water supply. For more information fluoridated water systems, you can now visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The new feature, “My Water`s Fluoride,” allows consumers in participating states to check out basic information about their water system, including the number of people served by the system and the target fluoridation level.
Optimal levels recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service and CDC for drinking water range from 0.7 parts per million (ppm) for warmer climates, to 1.2 ppm for cooler climates. The difference in quantities exists in observation of the tendency to consume more water in warmer climates.
ADA statement on FDA toothpaste warning labels
The American Dental Association`s Council on Scientific Affairs believes that the warning now required on fluoride toothpastes by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could unnecessarily frighten parents and children, and that the label greatly overstates any demonstrated or potential danger posed by fluoride toothpastes. The labels, now required on all fluoride toothpastes, warn consumers that, “If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.” The American Dental Association, however, points out that a child could not absorb enough fluoride from toothpaste to cause a serious problem and that the excellent safety record on fluoride toothpaste argues against any unnecessary regulation.
Am I getting enough fluoride?
For your best dental hygiene routine, ask us during your next visit about the right fluoride products for you and your family. Your oral health is our priority so we want to answer any questions that you have. Armed with the right information, your family can have healthy teeth for life. Contact our office to schedule your next visit! We can’t wait to see you soon!