Everything You Need to Know About Flouride

What is Flouride?

 Fluoride is a chemical ion of the element fluorine. Fluoride is found naturally in water, foods, soil, and several minerals.

What are the benefits of Fluoride?

Fluoride helps protect teeth from decay and cavities. Teeth withfluoride in the enamel simply resist acids better than teeth thathave not been exposed to fluoride. When bacteria in the mouthcombine with sugars, acid is produced that can dissolve toothstructure and cause cavities or erode away the enamel. Fluorideprotects teeth from demineralization caused by the acid. It canalso help with repairing enamel that has been mildly damagedby acids.

Studies have shown water fluoridation continues to be effectivein reducing tooth decay by 20- 40%, even with widespreadavailability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoridetoothpaste and rinses.

Who should have Fluoride?

Both children and adults can benefit from fluoride use. Fluorideis especially helpful for those with a history of tooth decay, poordental hygiene, a high acid/sugar diet and those who experiencedry mouth.

What are the risks of Fluoride?

As with any medical treatment, toxic effects can occur withextreme doses. Overdose is possible, for example, if a smallchild consumes an entire tube of toothpaste or ingests multiplefluoride supplement tablets. Fluoride can cause discolorationof enamel if excess amounts are used over long periods of timewhile the teeth are developing.

What are the alternatives to Fluoride?

There are no known alternatives to fluoride that provide equalbenefit for the health and strength of tooth enamel.

What are the risks of not using Fluoride?

Generally, there is a significantly increased risk ofdeveloping cavities.