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What
is fluoride, and why is it good for my teeth?
Fluoride is a
compound of the element fluorine, which is found universally throughout
nature in water, soil, air and in most foods. Existing abundantly in
living tissue as an ion, fluoride is absorbed easily into tooth enamel,
especially in children's growing teeth. Once teeth are developed,
fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and
promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before
the damage is
even visible.
“Systemic” fluoride is ingested when added to public and private
water supplies, soft drinks, and teas and is available in dietary
supplement form. Once systemic fluoride is absorbed via the
gastro-intestinal tract, the blood supply distributes it throughout the
entire body. Most fluoride not excreted is deposited in bones and hard
tissues like teeth.
What is a
“topical” fluoride, and when should I use it?
“Topical”
fluoride is found in products containing strong concentrations of
fluoride to fight tooth decay. These products, including dentifrices
like toothpastes and mouth rinses containing fluoride, are applied
directly to the teeth and are then expectorated or rinsed from the mouth
without swallowing. (Dentists recommend brushing with a fluoride
toothpaste at least twice a day or after every meal, combined with a
regimen of flossing and regular dental checkups.)
Professionally-administered topical fluorides such as gels or varnishes
are applied by the dentist and left on for about four minutes, usually
during a cleaning treatment. For patients with a high risk of dental
caries, the dentist may prescribe a special gel for daily home use, to
be applied with or without a mouth tray for up to six weeks.
Can I get too
much fluoride?
In general, the use of
fluoride is considered safe unless it is misused or over concentrated.
Drinking excessively fluoridated water can cause dental fluorosis, a
harmless cosmetic discoloring or mottling of the enamel, visible by
chalky white specks and lines or pitted and brown stained enamel on
developing teeth.
Avoid swallowing toothpaste, mouth rinses or other topical fluorides. If
you or your child take fluoride supplements, check with your dentist on
proper dosage, and be careful not to accidentally take too much. Lastly,
do not drink water containing
extreme fluoride levels over 4 ppm, especially over a long period of
time.
If you are concerned about the fluoride levels in your drinking water,
call the local public water department. If the source is a private well,
request a fluoride content analysis taken via a water sample through
your local or county health department.
Are children
more sensitive to fluoride than adults?
Children are more
vulnerable to dental fluorosis because their developing teeth are
sensitive to higher fluoride levels. They are at greater risk if they
swallow or use too much toothpaste and fluoride supplements, or
regularly drink water containing excessive fluoride levels. Monitor your
child’s intake and use of fluoride, and consult with your family
dentist on the matter.
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