Fluoride Facts for Children and Adults

Fluoride, an important element in the fight against tooth decay in adults as well as children, is a mineral that is found naturally in water, soil, plants, rocks, and air. It is also added to some kinds of toothpaste and mouth rinses and can be obtained as a vitamin supplement, when necessary, and as a dental treatment.

Fluoride is beneficial to teeth and bones as it helps to:

• increase the mineral content of children's developing teeth even before the teeth erupt into the mouth.
• restore the mineral content of the surface layers of tooth enamel after the teeth have erupted in the mouth. Remineralization can help prevent cavities and reverse early signs of tooth decay by making the teeth stronger.
• inhibit bacterial growth and bacterial acid production in the mouth. This acid is a major factor in the development of tooth decay.
• prevent bone fractures by increasing the mineral content of bones.

Did you know that there are two types of Fluoride? Topical and Systemic. Both are important for oral and general health.

Topical Fluorides are found in toothpastes, mouth rinses, and professionally applied rinses, varnishes and gels. Topical fluorides strengthen teeth already present in the mouth, making them more decay-resistant.

Systemic Fluorides are ingested. Most often, we obtain systemic fluoride in our municipal drinking water. The amount is carefully monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure an optimal amount of fluoride in the water. In communities where the water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements can be obtained in the form of tablets or lozenges. Such fluoride supplements require a prescription by a dentist or physician, as the amount/dose must be carefully controlled. Systemic fluoride is incorporated into tooth structures during the time of tooth formation and so it is very important for children to get the correct amount of systemic fluoride: not too much, but enough to strengthen developing teeth.

However, some of the systemic fluoride we ingest makes its way to our saliva and as the saliva bathes our teeth, the fluoride is deposited on the outermost layers of the enamel of our teeth in the process of remineralization and in this way, provides topical protection as well.

How can we strive to maintain fluoride intake in order to help prevent dental cavities?

• Make sure to consume fluoridated water. Fluoride is added to the drinking water supply of most communities across Canada. You can find out if your tap water is fluoridated by calling your local water district or public health unit. However, most bottled water does not contain fluoride in a form that is a health benefit.
• Brushing regularly with toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the seal of approval or acceptance from the Canadian Dental Association or the American Dental Association.
  Fluoridated toothpaste or mouth rinses are NOT recommended for children under age 5, or children who cannot avoid swallowing the toothpaste.
  The amount of fluoridated toothpaste that is used should be no larger than a grain of rice!
• Rinse with a mouthwash that contains fluoride but be sure not to swallow any of it. Again, look for the seal of approval or acceptance from the Canadian Dental Association or the American Dental Association.
• Some drinks, such as black tea, wine, green tea, coffee, tap water, and juice, are everyday sources of systemic fluoride.
• Foods such as spinach, grapes, raisins, potatoes, oatmeal, and canned shellfish such as shrimp and blue crab are also good sources of fluoride.
• Fluoride supplements are available at pharmacies with a prescription from your doctor or dentist.
• For people with a history of cavities, a dentist or dental hygienist can provide a professional fluoride application to your teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish.

The maximum reduction in tooth decay is achieved when fluoride is available both topically and systemically. Water fluoridation provides both types of exposure.

However, also note that exposure to too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis (brown or white spots and pitting in the enamel) and in exceptional circumstances, to skeletal fluorosis which can damage bones and joints.

Fluoridated toothpastes or mouth rinses are NOT recommended for children under age 5 as there is a chance they might swallow the product. And, as noted above, since fluoride is readily available in foods, swallowing fluoridated dental products on a regular basis could contribute to mild dental fluorosis in developing teeth.

Tooth Sensitivity

The professional application of topical fluoride in the form of a gel or varnish is an effective, easy way to treat tooth sensitivity for many adult patients. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity to cold or touch from an eating utensil or toothbrush, be sure to let us know and ask about the topical fluoride options that could help reduce tooth sensitivity.

Not sure about the appropriate amount of fluoride for you and your family? Contact Kaydental today and we'd be happy to answer your questions.

Sources:

• Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/environment/fluorides-human-health.html
• The Journal of American Dental Association: https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)62458-2/fulltext