What is Fluoride?
- Fluoride is an element that exists in natural water sources and is found in the Earth's crust.
- One way that cavities can be prevented is through the use of fluoride.
- Fluoride hardens tooth enamel by making it more resistant to tooth decay.
- A cavity that is small may be reversed by the remineralization process through the use of fluoride.
- Fluoride plays an important role in your child's oral health, in addition to daily brushing and flossing.
How Does Fluoride Work?
Fluoride Prevents Cavities In Two Ways:
How Can Fluoride Be Delivered To My Child's Teeth?
What Are Sources Of Systemic Fluoride and How Does It Work?
What Are Sources of Topical Fluoride and How Does It Work?
- Plaque contains bacteria that produce acid and fluoride prevents the acid from dissolving and destroying tooth enamel.
- Fluoride allows teeth that are damaged by acid to repair themselves when the tooth decay is in its earliest stages.
- Fluoride also prevents new cavities from forming by strengthening the enamel.
Fluoride Prevents Cavities In Two Ways:
- When fluoride is ingested it can be incorporated into developing teeth to help strengthen the teeth.
- Fluoride can be applied topically through the use of toothpastes, mouth rinses, fluoride varnishes and trays that are applied professionally by a dental professional.
How Can Fluoride Be Delivered To My Child's Teeth?
- Fluoride can be delivered to the teeth in two ways: topically (applied directly on the teeth) and systemically (through the blood stream).
What Are Sources Of Systemic Fluoride and How Does It Work?
- Systemic fluoride is delivered to the surfaces of the teeth via the blood stream.
- Systemic fluoride may be derived in many ways, including by food sources, water sources, or dietary supplements (such as pills, tablets, lozenges, and drops).
- Community water fluoridation is an effective way to prevent dental decay from occurring.
- Studies have shown fluoridated water and fluoride supplements may reduce up to 60% of tooth decay.
- Children up to 16 years of age benefit the most from systemic fluoride. It is recommended by the American Dental Association that children discontinue fluoride vitamin supplements at the age of 16.
What Are Sources of Topical Fluoride and How Does It Work?
- Topical fluoride is very beneficial for children and adults once the teeth are fully erupted.
- Topical fluorides are applied directly to the surfaces of the teeth and work to prevent tooth decay.
- Many sources of topical fluoride include toothpastes, mouth rinses, at home applied fluoride gels, and professionally applied fluoride treatments, including varnishes and gel/foam application.
- Topically applied fluoride is beneficial for all ages, especially children who wear braces or orthodontic appliances and children who have rampant or excessive cavities.
How Can I Make Sure That My Child Doesn't Experience Any Adverse Effects from Fluoride?
- Fluoridated products should not be swallowed.
- Only a small amount of toothpaste, the size of a small pea, is needed for a child.
- Fluoridated products, especially mouth rinses should not be given to a child under 6 years of age, or to anyone who cannot rinse and spit (those you suspect are swallowing some of the product).
- Keep fluoridated products out of the reach of children.
- Parental supervision is needed for children when brushing or using any fluoridated substances.