Fluoride for
Healthier Teeth
Fluoride is a natural mineral, which helps in replacing the minerals lost from a tooth due to acid breakdown. Fluoride can also be incorporated into developing dental enamel before a tooth erupts into the mouth, enhancing the tooth’s resistance to acid breakdown and preventing cavities later in life.
Benefits of fluoride:
It is one of the most powerful minerals to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride helps to strengthen the structure of tooth enamel and protects teeth from acid damage. It also may help in reducing the amount of acid that cavity-causing bacteria produce, as well as making it harder for these bacteria to stick to the teeth.
Additional resources
Fluoride in Dental Products:
Toothpaste and Mouth Rinses: When you brush with a fluoride toothpaste, the fluoride sticks to the tooth’s surface. It also increases the amount of fluoride in saliva, which builds the outer enamel layer.
You should brush at least 2 times a day or as directed by your dentist or physician.
Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste for your child’s age: For ages 3 to 6 years, no more than a size of a pea should be smeared on a child’s toothbrush.
Age < 3 years, parents should smear no more toothpaste than the size of a grain of rice on a child’s toothbrush.
Age<2 years, consult with the dentist or doctor about the use of fluoride toothpaste or other fluoride products.
*Parents should watch their children and teach them to spit out, not swallow toothpaste
when finished brushing.
Fluoride Mouth Rinses: Fluoride mouth rinse is a concentrated fluoride solution that can be used daily or weekly. It helps to prevent cavities and helps fluoride to stick to the surface.
Fluoride varnish: The varnish strengthens enamel and can prevent the progression of tooth decay or white spots.
Process: It is a high-concentration fluoride varnish, usually applied by a dental or other health care professionals directly onto the teeth. It is a sticky coating dries quickly and hardens once it encounters saliva. It is safe to drink water after application.
How long does fluoride varnish last?
It lasts for several months. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends fluoride varnish be reapplied 3-5 times per year for best protection.
Who can get fluoride varnishes?
It can be done for both children and adults.
Fluoride gel and Foam: If a dentist believes that someone is at high risk of cavities, they might suggest a high-strength dose of fluoride to help rebuild enamel. It is usually applied in a dental office for 1-4 minutes.
Fluoride supplements: The supplements are usually prescribed by a dentist for children at high risk of cavities. They are usually in the form of a tablet that is either chewed or sucked for 1- 2 minutes before being swallowed. This helps to increase the effect of fluoride.
