The water you drink comes with a specific fluoride content. The toothpaste you use is said to be specifically ‘rich in fluoride’. Your dentist insists on getting fluoride sealants every time you go for a checkup. Now what exactly is this fluoride and why is it literally everywhere? How do I know if I need more fluoride and most importantly, to what extent is it safe? Well, find the answers to all your questions.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is present in your food and water. It is important to strengthen not only your teeth, but also your bone density. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and maintain oral health. How?
- Your enamel, the protective covering of the tooth constantly undergoes a de-mineralisation (where it loses the mineral structure when it comes in contact with acidic and sugary foods) and re-mineralisation (where it gains minerals from the fluorides, calcium and phosphates in your food) process. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel of your teeth.
- Fluoride is necessary to form a ‘hydroxyapatite’ matrix, a crystalline structure of the enamel which prevents the attack of decay causing bacteria.
- Fluoride also has a ‘desensitising’ effect. If you are someone with a compromised enamel structure, the dentin takes up hot and cold food stimuli and causes pain (dental sensitivity). Fluoride helps seal the dentin and forms a barrier improving the sensitivity.
- Most importantly, fluoride can make or break the developing teeth of your kids.
How to increase your fluoride intake -
Fluoride is found in your mineral drinking water. It is also found in certain foods like oatmeal, potatoes, tea and more. Using fluoride rich toothpastes and mouthwashes can also ensure the required amount of fluoride coats your teeth.
Fluoride treatments at the dentist -
- Flouride is the most important preventive treatment that you can get at the dentist. Also fluoride applications are a must in child dental care.
- Fluoride application treatments - Your dentist will have special fluoride trays and gels that will be placed on your child’s teeth and left for a few minutes. These sessions may be repeated once a few months in the early developing age of your kids.
- Fluoride sealants or varnishes - These are another form of fluoride that we apply on parts of the teeth where a small decay is starting to form.This helps literally nip cavities in the bud.
- Your dentist might also advise you prescription fluoride supplements and oral care.
When is fluoride NOT safe -
Excessive amounts of fluoride in the body can be harmful. It might cause bone disorders and joint issues. The ‘corrosive’ effect of fluoride can lead to weakening of teeth, spots/stains on the teeth, which we call ‘dental flourosis’. Excess fluoride content in your drinking water available near your locality can be a main reason. Too much toothpaste in one use can also be a reason.
To sum up, fluoride is something that is essential both when your teeth are growing, and after they erupt. It is needed for all age groups as a preventive and supportive treatment. But, only in decent quantities. Contact your dentist to know the right amount of fluoride needed for you and how we can prevent further dental issues with the help of it.
