Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that reinforces teeth. This can assist to prevent tooth decay. Specialists say the best way to avoid dental caries is to use numerous sources of fluoride.
Fluoride is discovered naturally in water sources in small amounts. Some foods, such as meat, fish, eggs and tea, include fluoride. It also is contributed to water in some areas. Lots of toothpastes, rinses and professional treatments consist of fluoride. Prescription fluoride tablets are readily available for children who do not get fluoride in their water.
How to Treat Your Teeth with Fluoride
Enamel is the outer layer of the crown of a tooth (the noticeable part). It is made of closely packed mineral crystals. Every day, the enamel loses and acquires minerals. The loss of minerals is called demineralization. Getting brand-new minerals is called remineralization. These two processes balance each other.
Demineralization starts with the kind of bacteria that cause plaque on your teeth. These bacteria feed on sugar in your mouth and produce acids. The acids liquify the crystals in your teeth. Remineralization builds the enamel back up. In this process, minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate are deposited inside the enamel. Too much loss of minerals without adequate repair of the enamel causes tooth decay.
Fluoride strengthens teeth by helping to speed remineralization. This reinforces the enamel. Fluoride also assists to stop bacteria from making acids.
Fluoride can reinforce teeth in two methods– from the outside or the within.
Teeth take in fluoride on the outdoors in a number of methods:
- When you get a fluoride treatment at the dental workplace
- When you brush with fluoride tooth paste or use a fluoride rinse
- When fluoridated water washes over your teeth as you drink
Fluorides that are absorbed by reaching the beyond the tooth are called topical fluorides.
Fluoride likewise enhances teeth from within. Swallowed fluoride enters the bloodstream and enters into the long-term teeth as they establish. This is called systemic fluoride. The teeth end up being stronger, so it is harder for acids to destroy the enamel.
Children swallow systemic fluoride in any of the following methods:
- Fluoridated water and beverages made from it
- Prescription fluoride supplements
- Small amounts of fluoride in food
Dental workplace fluoride treatments typically are offered to children as their teeth are establishing. A child who has a history of cavities or is at high risk of decay ought to use additional fluoride. This promotes remineralization of the teeth. Lots of children get fluoride treatments every 6 months. The treatments provide extra protection versus cavities, even if children already drink fluoridated water.
Fluoride mouth rinses also can help children with a history of cavities or a high risk of decay. These rinses are suggested for children over age 6. You can discover them in the mouthwash area of most shops. Prescription fluoride rinses and gels that offer a greater level of fluoride also are available.
Fluoride supplements usually are reserved for children 6 months to 16 years old who have low levels of fluoride in their drinking water and also are at high risk for dental decay. These are readily available as liquids or drops for more youthful children and tablets for older children. Either your pediatrician or your dental practitioner can prescribe them.
Fluoride treatments help to avoid decay in both children and grownups. Anybody who is at risk of dental decay is a good candidate for topical fluoride treatments. This fluoride is used straight to the teeth.
Aspects that increase the risk of dental caries consist of:
- A history of cavities
- Irregular dental check outs
- Poor brushing routines
- Poor diet practices, particularly regular snacking
Numerous common medicines can cause the mouth to be dry. Examples consist of antihistamines and medicines for high blood pressure, anxiety and anxiety. Without adequate saliva, dental caries becomes worse quickly.
Preparation for Dental Fluoride Treatment
Prior to you have an in-office fluoride treatment, your teeth need to be tidy. Your dentist may have to polish away spots. If you use fluoride rinses or gels at home, first brush your teeth completely and floss them. It’s a good idea to use fluoride products in the evening prior to bedtime. When you are sleeping, they are less most likely to be washed or rinsed away.
Dental Fluoride Treatment Procedure
The fluoride treatments you get in a dental workplace have more fluoride than non-prescription fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste. They are used for both children and adults. Dental-office treatments also are different chemically and remain on the teeth longer.
There are two typical types of expertly applied fluorides. Acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) is acidic; neutral sodium fluoride is not. Neutral sodium fluoride generally is used for individuals who have dry mouth (xerostomia) or who have tooth-colored fillings, crowns or bridges. An acidic fluoride might aggravate a mouth that is dry. It likewise can produce little pits in tooth-colored plastic composite fillings.
Fluoride is applied as a gel, foam or varnish during a dental appointment. The teeth are dried so the fluoride doesn’t end up being diluted. Fluoride gel or foam can be applied by utilizing a tray that looks like a mouth guard for one to four minutes. Fluoride varnish can be painted straight on parts of the teeth that are more than likely to obtain a cavity, to enhance them. This is a benefit of varnish over gel or foam. Varnish also consists of an extremely strong concentration of fluoride. Topical fluoride is available in a variety of flavors, but it must never be swallowed.
Fluoride supplements are normally used in children who are at high risk for dental decay. They are taken in percentages. The daily dose ranges from 0.25 to 1 milligram. The quantity is based upon the child’s age and the amount of fluoride in the water he or she consumes.
Dental professionals do not prescribe more than 264 milligrams of fluoride tablets at a time. That’s since the poisonous dose of fluoride for a 2-year-old child weighing 22 pounds is 320 milligrams. To prevent any chance of accidental overdose, do not stock up on fluoride tablets in your house. If you have any concerns relating to fluoride threats, speak with your dental professional or physician.
Everybody ought to use fluoridated toothpaste. Beware with young kids. They are most likely to swallow the toothpaste than to spit it out. Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Encourage them to spit out as much as possible. Prevent flavored toothpastes that may motivate swallowing.
What Is Allowed after the Treatment?
Do not eat, drink or smoke for at least 30 minutes after a professional fluoride treatment. This assists to increase the fluoride’s contact with the teeth.
Risks
Fluoride is safe and efficient when used effectively. However, it can be hazardous at high doses. All water-fluoridation systems are examined day-to-day to keep safe fluoride levels. Parents ought to monitor using all fluoride items, including tooth paste, in the home. Keep fluoride tablets kept securely far from kids.
If they swallow too much fluoride, young children might end up being sick. Likewise, excessive fluoride can cause spots to form on the enamel of any establishing teeth. The spots will show up when these teeth come into the mouth. Discuss these interest in your dental professional. She or he can recommend which fluoride products are best for your child.
Hazardous fluoride dosages are based on weight. For instance, a harmful dosage of fluoride for an 8-year-old child weighing 45 pounds is 655 milligrams. In comparison, an 8-ounce glass of water with 1 part per countless fluoride contains 0.25 milligrams of fluoride. A little dab of tooth paste consists of 0.24 milligrams of fluoride. Considering that these fluoride items are used in such percentages, it is extremely hard to receive hazardous doses in a home setting.
When To Call a Specialist
It is very important that you talk to your dental practitioner or dental hygienist about any fluoride items you are using. Your dentist or hygienist can think about all sources of extra fluoride and identify which are best for you or your child.
