Fluoride FAQs
Fluoride is often called nature's cavity fighter and for good reason. Fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities in children and adults by making the outer surface of your teeth more resistant to the acid attacked cause tooth decay.
At Loveland Family Dentistry, Dr Rhonda Krause often recommends fluoride for patients who have a history of tooth decay or cavities. Other patients who can benefit from added dental protection include people who enjoy snacking, have poor dental hygiene, follow diets that are high in sugars or carbohydrates and people with bridges, crowns, braces and other restorative procedures.
There is a lot of misinformation in the media about fluoride. Here are some science based answers to questions that patients have asked Dr Krause.
1. What does Fluoride do?
Before teeth break through the gums, the fluoride taken in from foods, beverages and dietary supplements makes tooth enamel stronger, making it easier to resist tooth decay.
After teeth erupt, fluoride helps to rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth.
2. Is Fluoride Safe?
Fluoride is safe and effective when used as directed. It is very difficult to reach hazardous levels given the low levels of fluoride present in home-based fluoride-containing products. Since 1962 the United States Public Health Service has recommended that public water supplies contain between 0.7 and 1.2 Mg/L of fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. This recommendation was updated in 2015 to a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L as many people now get more fluoride from other sources such as toothpaste. Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay which benefits Americans of all ages and socioeconomic status
It is worth remembering that many substances are harmful in large quantities but helpful in small amounts. Exposure to high concentrations of fluoride can be harmful and cause problems such as dental fluorosis (a chalk-like discoloration of tooth enamel) in children or skeletal fluorosis in adults and children.
3. Why do I need Fluoride?
At Loveland Family Dentistry, Dr Krause will assess each patient's need individually to determine the cavity causing risk factors. Some of these risk factors might include: dry mouth, inadequate or ineffective oral hygiene, gum disease or gum recession which leaves softer tooth root surfaced exposed, consumption of sugary foods or drinks, a history of getting cavities in the past and dental restorations or appliances which may trap bacteria.
Fluoride applied topically or prescribed by a dentist is typically stronger and more effective than over the counter products and is considered one of the easiest, most cost effective way to prevent cavities and the need for more dentistry.
We hope this information has been helpful and invite your comments. Please contact us at Loveland Family Dentistry if you have questions or dental needs. 970-667-6101
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