Fluoride and Oral Health
By Allen Daniels | Published on March 16, 2010 | 0 Comments
It’s in toothpaste, mouthwash, and even our drinking water. Our dentists have been telling us for years that it’s good for our teeth. But what role exactly does fluoride play in oral health? Allen Daniels, DDS, of Bright Dental in Bright, Indiana, says that fluoride is an essential part of any oral hygiene routine. Here Dr. Daniels explains how fluoride works to strengthen the teeth and talks about how dentists use fluoride to treat and prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride is an extremely important part of both developing and maintaining strong teeth. Fluoride works by replacing an ion in the surface structure of enamel. As fluoride replaces that ion, it strengthens the enamel’s surface and makes it less susceptible to acid attacks.
Additionally, fluoride in the proper concentration aids in the formation of enamel. For this reason, consuming water that has been fluoridated is extremely beneficial for children. In fact, children who drink fluoridated water produce enamel that is substantially stronger than children who’ve not been exposed to fluoride in their drinking water. Because fluoride can be dangerous when ingested in high concentrations, the fluoride in drinking water is always kept at a safe level of one part per million.
With the notable exception of fluoridated drinking water, fluoride is almost always used topically. Fluoride can be delivered in a number of ways. For use at home, fluoride is present in most adult toothpastes and is also available in rinses. I recommend that all adults use a fluoride toothpaste, and that anyone who is experiencing a problem with decay or sensitivity use a fluoride rinse regularly. As long as fluoride is not ingested, it is beneficial each time it’s used, so there’s no such thing as too much.
Most dentists also offer fluoride treatments in their offices. Again, these treatments are topical, but involve a much higher concentration of fluoride than is present in over-the-counter products. For many years, fluoride treatments at the dentist’s office consisted of flavored fluoride gels that were applied to the teeth via small trays. These gel treatments are still used by some practitioners, but most have switched to a fluoride varnish. This varnish has proven to be more effective and offer a better long-term result.
Indeed, in-office fluoride treatments are beneficial for children. But I also frequently recommend fluoride treatments for adults, particularly those experiencing sensitivity or early signs of decay. Unfortunately, dental insurance often does not cover fluoride treatments for adults and, therefore, many adults simply opt out. In my opinion, however, they are well worth the out-of-pocket expense.
In both children and adults, fluoride plays both a preventive role and a corrective role in oral health. For that reason, it benefits everybody. If you have enamel that is not strong enough to withstand attacks from the acids that cause decay, fluoride will help you build stronger teeth. If you already have strong teeth, fluoride will help you maintain that strength. If you’re experiencing sensitivity, fluoride can help improve your comfort level and prevent the problem from worsening.
I recommend that my patients receive fluoride treatments every six months. If they have a particular problem, however, more frequent treatments will be even more beneficial. Despite the fact that fluoride for adults is often not covered by dental insurance, paying out of pocket for these relatively inexpensive treatments could ultimately save you money down the line. Just as preventive automobile maintenance helps you avoid costly repairs later, fluoride treatments can help you avoid costly corrective or restorative procedures later. As long as it’s used topically, fluoride is one good thing that you can never get too much of.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.