Fluoride

Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral also present in our bones and teeth helps build strengthen teeth enamel and prevent cavities.

It is also present in small amounts to public water supplies by water fluoridation process.

If you are highly susceptible for teeth decay, your dentist may suggest using a prescription mouth rinse with fluoride. These rinses usually have a higher concentration of fluoride than Over the Counter options like toothpastes and supplements do.

Benefits of fluoride in oral health:

• -          Fluoride slows down tooth decay and stops development of caries.
• -          It aids our body to better use minerals like Calcium and phosphate to help repair the teeth enamel.
• -          Helps developing teeth to strengthen the enamel and make them less susceptible to decay and caries causing bacteria.
• -          It delays need for expensive dental work.
• -          Help in prolonging the life of milk teeth or baby teeth.
• -          As it prevents cavities and slows the growth of bacteria, fluoride also prevents gum disease, reduce tooth pain and premature loss of teeth.

Fluoride Treatment:

It is a professional treatment done by your dentist or any registered dental care provider. They apply fluoride to a patient’s teeth either in form of gel, varnish, foam to improve health and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Your dental care provider can also recommend at home fluoride treatment depending on your specific needs and circumstances.
The fluoride which your dentists use for in-office treatments is similar to the fluoride in toothpaste, but it contains much higher dose and offers immediate benefits.

So as to say while fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, when consumed in large doses it also has few side effects like:

-          Dental fluorosis happens when consuming higher amount of fluoride while teeth are still developing inside the gums. Mostly affects children under the age of 8 who have permanent teeth still coming in as they are also more likely to swallow toothpaste.

-          Skeletal fluorosis involves bones instead of teeth; it results from long term exposure to higher levels of fluoride. Early symptoms include joint pain and stiffness. Over long periods of time it can cause calcification of the ligaments.

-          Allergies or irritation even though rare may happen

Moreover, while the amount fluoride added to drinking water is relatively safe, exposure to high levels may cause several health issues.

If you’re concerned about your fluoride intake, inquire with your local authorities about the fluoride content in your city’s water. You may also use fluoride-free dental products, especially if you have kids. Persons who have tooth decay and / or at risk of tooth decay should discuss their concerns with a dentist and dental care providers they trust.

Fluoride therapy after-care instructions:

• -          Avoid flossing and brushing your teeth for about 4 to 6 hours.
• -          Do not consume hot, hard, sticky, chewy, crunchy food stuffs and beverages or anything containing alcohol.
• -          Avoid smoking.
• -          Your teeth may temporarily appear to have discoloration after therapy.
• -          Thoroughly brushing your teeth after 6 hours or more will remove remaining traces if any of fluoride varnish.
• -          Avoid over the counter fluoride therapy products like toothpastes, gels or tablets.
• -          The patient might experience nausea if they swallow fluoride by mistake; this is temporary and will go away in 24 hours.

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