Fluoride is a mineral which is present in all-natural water sources. Fluoride is safe and highly effective in prevention and control of tooth decay. It can be administered by topical application making teeth already present in the mouth more resistant to decay. Fluoride can also be ingested which helps in incorporating it into the developing tooth structures as well as provides topical protection as it is present in the saliva which constantly bathes the teeth.
The outermost layer of teeth is called Enamel. Everyday Minerals are added to and lost from the tooth’s enamel layer through two processes
Demineralization is when the minerals are lost from the enamel when acids (formed by the bacteria in plaque accumulated in the teeth and sugars in the mouth) attack the enamel.
Remineralization is when fluoride, calcium and phosphates are redeposited on the enamel layer of the tooth surface through the foods and liquids consumed.
Demineralization > Remineralization = Tooth Decay
Fluoride Application makes the tooth more resistant to acid attacks by the plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early tooth decay in certain cases. When applied in children under 6 years of age, it gets incorporated in the development of permanent teeth and prevents demineralization while speeding up the process of remineralization and disrupts acid production in the already erupted teeth of both children and adults.
When is Fluoride Application Most Important?
It is most important for children between the ages of 6 months to 16 years to be exposed to fluoride as this is the period during which the milk teeth and the permanent teeth come in. But, Adults benefit from Fluoride Application too. Recent studies have shown that fluoride in toothpastes, mouth wash and fluoride applications play a very critical role in strengthening the teeth.
Adult conditions which require Fluoride Application
Adults with history of recurrent cavities
If a person has one cavity every year or every alternate year then they may benefit from annual or bi-annual fluoride applications.
Adults with gum disease
Gum disease (also known as periodontitis) can increase tooth decay by exposing more of the teeth and even their roots to bacteria from the resulting infection.
Adults with crowns/bridges or braces
Crowns and bridges can increase risk of tooth decay at the point where the crown meets the underlying tooth structure. Also, there is increases risk of decay around the brackets of orthodontic appliances.
Adults with dry mouth conditions
Dry mouth also called as xerostomia caused by diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, certain medications like allergy medication, antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs and high blood pressure drugs; head and neck Radiation therapy makes the patients more prone to tooth decay.
In a dry mouth condition the food particles are not washed away due to the lack of saliva and it’s harder for acids to be neutralized leading to more tooth decay.
How is fluoride application done?
Fluoride applications are done by Dentists in the dental clinic where the fluoride is be applied in a high concentration with either a tray, brush, swab or mouthwash depending on whether it is in the form of gel, varnish, foam or rinse.
Fluoride applications have a higher potency to strengthen your teeth as they have much more fluoride than your regular toothpaste or water.
These treatments take only a few minutes to apply but there are precautions to be followed post treatment. You may be asked to avoid eating and drinking for a certain period after the application so that the fluoride can be better absorbed or deposited on your teeth.
Risks associated with Fluoride Use
Ingestion of too much fluoride for a long period of time during tooth development usually upto 3 years of age can result in a condition called fluorosis. Fluorosis causes white specks or striations on teeth or brown discolouration of teeth and in extreme cases even stained and pitted teeth. Fluorosis when it occurs, is usually associated with naturally occurring fluoride, such as found in well water. Once teeth erupt, they cannot develop enamel fluorosis.
Excess fluoride intake can be minimized by using recommended amount of tooth paste and keeping toothpastes away from the reach of children. Parents should also supervise their children’s use of fluoridated tooth paste to avoid excessive ingestion.
If your child is under 3 years of age, apply only a thin layer of toothpaste on the toothbrush covering less than half the bristles or about the size of a rice grain.
For children between ages 3-6 years, a pea sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient. Also parents must ensure that children spit out the toothpaste while brushing.
Fluoride in Everyday Life
In our daily life, we can get fluoride by two ways-
The amount of fluoride you receive in your drinking water depends on the water purifying system you use at home. Steam distillation systems remove 100% fluoride content. Reverse osmosis systems remove 60-90% of fluoride while charcoal and carbon filters usually do not remove fluoride. Annual checking of water to check fluoride content is recommended to ensure sufficient concentration of fluoride for optimum health.
The Takeaway
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that prevents tooth decay. It deposits the minerals on the enamel and prevents growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Excessive exposure to fluoride causes negative effects on teeth and bones. To take good care of your oral cavity you must