Fluoride

Fluoride can be helpful or harmful depending on how much you consume

Fluoride is a natural mineral that’s present in almost all foods and water supplies. Fluoride is scientifically proven to be the most effective agent available to us for protecting against tooth decay.

Fluoride works in two ways:

• Topical fluoride: Makes teeth that have already emerged from the gums more resistant to decay by seeping into the outer surface of the enamel. We gain topical fluoride through the use of fluoridated dental products like toothpaste and mouth rinse. Dentists and dental hygienists typically recommend that children have a professional application of topical fluoride twice a year.
• Systemic fluoride strengthens the teeth that have erupted — meaning they´ve emerged from the gums — as well as those that are developing under the gums. We obtain systemic fluoride from most of the foods we eat, as well as our community water supplies. It can also be prescribed by your dentist or physician in drop or gel form. Fluoride drops are usually recommended for infants, and fluoride gel tablets are better suited for kids and teens. It is necessary to monitor the amounts of systemic fluoride a child takes in. Too much fluoride while the teeth are still developing can cause a condition called fluorosis, which causes white spots on the teeth, may result.