With good reason, fluoride is frequently referred to be nature’s cavity fighter. By strengthening and increasing the tooth enamel’s resistance to cavities, this naturally occurring mineral helps stop tooth decay.
What is the precise mechanism of fluoride?
Bacteria in our mouths are the cause of cavities. They eat everything is left behind, including sweet meals and beverages. These bacteria destroy tooth enamel by releasing acids when they eat carbohydrates. Tooth decay is triggered when our teeth’s outer layer is damaged over time.
By shielding our teeth from the harm that these acids might do, fluoride helps prevent cavities. We refer to the process of repair as remineralization.
How can fluoride shield a child’s teeth from birth?
Infants’ jaws already have their baby (primary) teeth when they are born. Children benefit from fluoride in their food and beverages even before their teeth erupt through the gums. Baby teeth’s enamel is strengthened by these early fluoride treatments, increasing their resistance to cavities. (We call this a systemic benefit.)
Fluoride helps repair any damage caused by cavity-causing bacteria releasing acids into the mouth as a child’s first teeth erupt. For this reason, it’s crucial that kids use fluoride toothpaste and consume a lot of fluoridated tap water.
Fluoride is applied topically to a child’s teeth by the use of fluoride toothpaste or a specific fluoride treatment at the dentist’s office. Additionally, children’s saliva contains trace levels of fluoride from food and drink, which helps maintain healthy and strong tooth enamel.
How do we know that fluoride works and is safe?
The greatest available scientific data has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of fluoridating community water systems for more than 70 years. The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Dental Association are among the more than 100 health organizations that acknowledge the benefits of fluoridated water in preventing cavities.
Fluoride in water is particularly beneficial in preventing cavities in children, according to studies. Children who live in areas lacking fluoridated water are actually three times more likely to require oral surgery in the hospital, according to one research.
Fluoride in municipal water systems also protects at least 25% of tooth decay in people of all ages, according to research. Since more individuals need to have cavities treated, we all pay more in taxes and insurance premiums, therefore having better dental health helps save money. Adding fluoride to municipal water sources really costs less per person over the course of their lifetime than a single dental filling.
To what extent are local water sources treated with fluoride?
Our seas and groundwater both naturally contain fluoride. Adding fluoride to drinking water brings it up to the level that has been shown by research to help prevent tooth decay. (As of right now, municipalities are advised to raise fluoride levels to 0.7 mg/liter of water.)
In order to assist us acquire the nutrients we need, adding fluoride to water is similar to adding vitamins and minerals to certain meals and beverages. Calcium added to orange juice, vitamin D in milk, and iodine added to salt are a few examples.
In the United States, fluoride has been added to around 75% of water sources. To see whether the water in your area has been fluoridated, use this online map.
Including fluoride toothpaste in your cavity prevention regimen
One crucial element in tooth protection is drinking water that contains fluoride. Additionally, brushing with fluoride toothpaste is advised by the ADA. For people of all ages, here are some healthy brushing recommendations.
Children under three: Use a tiny, soft-bristled brush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a rice grain) to gently brush baby teeth as soon as they erupt.
Children between the ages of three and six: At this age, they start learning how to brush their own teeth. They should use a pea-sized quantity of toothpaste and brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time. It’s normally better to brush in the morning and evening. Keep an eye on your youngster to ensure they use the recommended quantity and avoid swallowing too much toothpaste. (A kid-friendly piece about fluoride’s superpowers in the fight against cavities may be found here.)
Teenagers and older kids: Encourage children to clean their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste as they get older. Here are some pointers for taking care of kids’ teeth, along with some extra guidance for teenagers. Adults: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes twice a day, or as prescribed by your dentist or physician. It’s normally better to brush in the morning and evening.
Can cavities be avoided using fluoride-containing mouthwash?
Fluoride-containing mouthwash can help strengthen your teeth’s defenses against decay. Consult your dentist about the possibility of using fluoride-containing mouthwashes if you are worried about the condition of your teeth.
Mouthwash should not be used by children less than six unless a dentist has prescribed it. Because their swallowing reflexes are still developing, younger children are more prone to swallow mouthwash than spit it out.
Your dentist may suggest fluoride treatments.
During a dental appointment, your dentist could immediately administer fluoride to your teeth. Children are frequently advised to have this in-office treatment in order to avoid cavities at an early age. In the dentist’s office, adults may also receive fluoride treatments. This topical fluoride is available as a liquid, gel, or foam.
Dentists occasionally suggest fluoride supplements, which might be liquid drops, pills, or lozenges. Children aged 6 months to 16 years who reside in places where fluoride is not provided to municipal water systems may benefit from these prescription-only supplements.
Ask your dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor for assistance if you’re worried that your adolescent or kid isn’t receiving enough fluoride to prevent cavities.