We all fear tooth decay, don't we? 'Fluoride' is a word we often hear in toothpaste advertisements. But what exactly is fluoride? Do you know exactly what benefits it brings to our teeth? You may have heard that it is not good for young children and some even say that it is poisonous. So what is true or not? Today, let's talk simply to clear up all the questions you have about this.
Simply put, what is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in the ground, in the water we drink, and in some foods. It's not a big deal. But in dentistry, this mineral is very important for strengthening teeth and reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Now let's see how this works. Our teeth have a protective outer covering. We call this enamel. This enamel is constantly being mineralized and demineralized.
- Demineralization: Bacteria in our mouths combine with sugars and other substances we eat to produce acids. These acids damage the enamel of our teeth. This is when minerals are removed.
- Remineralization: When we eat food and drink water that contains minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, those minerals are reabsorbed into the tooth enamel.
Simply put, tooth decay is the loss of minerals from teeth faster than they can be replaced. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel to resist acid attack and helps to reverse decay once it has begun.
What are the ways we get fluoride?
We can get fluoride in various ways.
1. Food and water: In some areas, fluoride is added to tap water according to prescribed standards. Also, some foods naturally contain fluoride.
2. Toothpaste and Mouthwash: Many toothpastes and mouthwashes we buy in the market contain fluoride. The fluoride concentration in ordinary mouthwashes is low. However, if you want to buy liquids or tablets with a higher concentration, you definitely need a doctor's prescription .
3. Dental treatment: Your dentist can apply fluoride directly to your teeth in the clinic. This is a simple procedure that can be done in just a few minutes.
Types of fluoride treatments performed by a dentist
- As a foam: This foam is placed in a tray made to the size of your teeth and placed over your teeth.
- As a varnish: This is like applying a thin layer of paint to your teeth. It is applied directly to your teeth with a brush.
- As a gel: This can also be applied directly to the teeth or applied using a tray.
Who is fluoride most important to? Be careful when giving it to young children!
Fluoride is especially important for children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. This is when teeth are developing. Therefore, fluoride provides a great boost to teeth that are already in place, as well as to teeth that are developing within the gums.
But there is something we need to be very careful about here. That is to prevent young children from getting more fluoride than they need .
Imagine that you are making your baby's formula with water that is high in fluoride. Then, your baby's teeth are exposed to this even before they erupt, and when they do erupt, they may develop white or brown spots. We call this condition Enamel Fluorosis . To prevent this, especially for parents with young children, you should consider the following:
- Breastfeed as much as possible.
- If making powdered milk, use fluoride-free or low-fluoride water (e.g., filtered water, bottled water).
- When brushing your child's teeth, use a pea- sized amount of toothpaste.
- When you're done brushing your teeth, teach your child to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it .
- Do not give fluoride mouthwash to children under 6 years of age unless recommended by a dentist.
Is fluoride important for adults too?
Yes, absolutely! Now you might be thinking that this is only important for young children. No, it's not. Adults with these conditions in particular get additional benefits from fluoride.
| Status | How fluoride helps |
|---|---|
| Dry mouth (Xerostomia) | Some diseases (e.g. Sjögren's syndrome) or medications (such as allergy medications) can reduce saliva production. Saliva washes away food particles and bacteria in the mouth. When saliva production is low, the risk of tooth decay increases. Fluoride can help protect teeth. |
| Gum disease | When you have gum disease, your teeth are more susceptible to decay because the roots are exposed to bacteria. Fluoride reduces this risk. |
| If you have frequent tooth decay | If you have had a lot of tooth decay in the past, it is a good idea to get extra fluoride protection. |
| If you have dentures | If you have crowns, bridges, or braces on your teeth, there is a greater chance that bacteria will build up around them and cause tooth decay. Fluoride can reduce that risk. |
Is Fluoride Really Toxic?
This is a question that many people ask. When used correctly, in the right amounts, fluoride is very safe and effective. But like anything, it can be harmful to the body if taken in excessive amounts . (This "harmful" dose varies depending on a person's body weight).
Since the amount of fluoride in things like toothpaste we buy from the store is low, it's very unlikely that it will reach dangerous levels. However, as a parent, you should definitely be aware of how your child uses fluoride.
- Avoid giving flavored toothpaste, as children may be tempted to swallow it because of its taste.
- Always put only a small amount, the size of a pea, on your child's toothbrush.
- Be especially careful with children under 6 years of age , as they are more likely to swallow toothpaste.
Very important: If your child accidentally swallows too much of something like fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash, do not panic and take the child to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. However, it is best to keep such items out of the reach of children.
Take-Home Message
- Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay.
- This is very safe if used correctly. Be especially careful when giving toothpaste to young children, especially with the amount (about the size of a pea) and with training them to avoid swallowing.
- Adults with conditions like dry mouth and gum disease also receive additional protection from fluoride.
- Ask your dentist for advice on everything from whether you need fluoride treatments, how often, what products are good, and what is appropriate for your child.
- If you have any concerns about fluoride or your child's dental health, talk to your family doctor about it.
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