Fluoride is a pure mineral. It’s present in issues like tea, fish, and a few water provides. It’s also added to many dental merchandise.
Fluoride has been used for a few years to assist shield enamel. Tooth decay has lowered worldwide, largely as a result of folks use fluoride toothpaste.
How does fluoride shield enamel?
Fluoride helps to:
- Restore early harm to tooth enamel.
- Make enamel stronger, in order that it’s extra immune to tooth decay.
- Defend enamel from acid assaults brought on by sugar.
- Decelerate the expansion of decay-causing micro organism.
Study fluoride on our podcast
This podcast sequence was produced as a part of our The Reality About Tooth Decay marketing campaign.
The place will we get fluoride?
Toothpaste
Most toothpaste incorporates fluoride.
- Kids aged 0–3 years ought to use a smear of toothpaste with at the very least 1000ppm fluoride.
- Kids over 3 and adults ought to use a pea-sized quantity of toothpaste with 1350–1500ppm fluoride.
Water
Some areas have fluoride added to the water provide.
- In England, about one in ten folks have fluoridated water.
- Some locations have pure fluoride within the water.
You possibly can ask your native water provider in case your water incorporates fluoride.
Excessive-fluoride toothpaste (prescription solely)
If you’re at excessive danger of tooth decay, your dentist could prescribe a toothpaste with the next fluoride content material.
2800ppm fluoride toothpaste (age 10+):
- For folks with frequent decay.
- For folks with excessive sugar consumption.
- For folks taking sugary medicines.
5000ppm fluoride toothpaste (age 16+):
- For folks with a really excessive danger of decay.
- For folks with gum recession.
- For folks with dry mouth.
- For individuals who have had head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish is painted onto the enamel by a dental skilled.
- It is without doubt one of the greatest methods to forestall tooth decay.
- It’s usually advisable for kids at dental visits.
- It helps shield each child and grownup enamel.
Fluoride mouthwash
Fluoride mouthwash ought to be used in addition to brushing, not as a substitute of it.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use mouthwash at a distinct time from brushing.
Are there any negative effects?
An excessive amount of fluoride whereas enamel are forming may cause dental fluorosis.
- This could result in faint white marks on the enamel.
- It’s often delicate and doesn’t have an effect on how enamel work.
- It’s uncommon.
To scale back danger:
- Use solely a smear or pea-sized quantity of toothpaste for kids.
- Encourage kids to spit out toothpaste, not swallow it.
Fluoride is protected and really efficient when utilized in the correct quantity.
Thanks to Oral-B, who’ve kindly offered us with an Instructional Grant for this data. Oral-B’s assist doesn’t solely enable us to develop and keep this recommendation on-line however implies that we are able to proceed to supply this vital useful resource as a printed leaflet for dental practices and hospitals to hand out to sufferers and go away in ready areas.
