What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and
water.
How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?
Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth's
enamel layer through two processes known as demineralization and
remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a
tooth's enamel layer when acids -formed from plaque
bacteria and sugars in the mouth -attack the enamel.
Minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate are redeposited
(remineralization) to the enamel layer from the foods and waters
consumed. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization
to repair the enamel layer leads to tooth decay.
Fluoride helps prevent decay by making the tooth more resistant
to acid attacks. It also reverses early decay. Fluoride becomes
incorporated into the developing permanent teeth, making it
difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps
speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in
already erupted teeth of both children and adults.
In what forms is fluoride available?
Fluoride is found in foods and in water. It can also be directly
applied to the teeth through fluoridated toothpastes and mouth
rinses. Mouth rinses containing fluoride in lower strengths are
available over-the-counter; stronger concentrations require a
prescription.
A dentist in his or her office can also apply fluoride to the
teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. These treatments contain a much
higher level of fluoride than the amount found in toothpastes and
mouth rinses. Varnishes are painted on the teeth; foams are put
into a mouth guard, which is applied to the teeth for 1 to 4
minutes; gels can be painted on or applied via a mouth guard.
Fluoride supplements are available as liquids and tablets and
are also a product that must be prescribed by your dentist,
pediatrician or family doctor.
Is there an age at which fluoride intake is most critical?
It is certainly important for infants and children between the
ages of 6 months and 16 years to be exposed to an appropriate
amount of fluoride to prevent tooth decay. These are the
timeframes during which the primary and permanent teeth come in.
However, the American Dental Association (ADA) now recommends being
more watchful of the possible excessive intake of fluoride in
infants and young children. The ADA's guidance for infants
specifically recommends avoiding reconstituted liquid formula
-i.,e., liquid concentrate or powdered baby formula that
needs to be mixed with water containing fluoride. Instead, they
recommend breast milk, ready-to-feed formula, or prepared formula
that is mixed with fluoride-free water. The ADA's
recommendations are to guard against enamel fluorosis -faint
white streaks (i.,e., a cosmetic defect) that can appear on tooth
enamel during their development, even before the teeth erupt
through the gums.