Fluoride: Protecting Your Teeth for Life at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, MI
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present to some degree in both fresh and salt water sources. Its major dental benefit is that it is readily incorporated into the teeth’s mineral structure, thereby making them stronger and more decay-resistant. Fluoride can even reverse tiny cavities that are starting to form. Less tooth decay means you have a better chance of avoiding significant dental treatments—and keeping your natural teeth for life.
The great majority of toothpastes sold today contain fluoride, because it’s an effective, easy and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health. Because of its proven health benefits, fluoride is often added to municipal water supplies to bring them to the current recommended level of 0.70 parts per million. In fact, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently named community water fluoridation as one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Schaefer Dental Group ensures you receive appropriate fluoride protection in Lansing, Michigan.
Making Fluoride Available to the Teeth
Fluoride can be delivered to teeth in two ways:
- Topically (on the surface): This method helps people of all ages. Toothpaste, mouthwashes, and professional applications at the dental office provide concentrated doses.
- Systemically (through the body): This is only beneficial in childhood while the permanent teeth are forming beneath the gum line (up to about age 9). Fluoride ingested in drinking water travels through the body and becomes incorporated into developing teeth.
Children who get their water from unfluoridated sources may be prescribed a fluoride supplement in the form of pills or drops.
How Much Do You Need?
The amount of fluoride you need varies according to your particular risk for decay, which is determined by many factors, including your diet and oral hygiene habits. You might benefit from fluoride treatments at the dental office and/or regular use of a fluoride mouthrinse if you have a high risk. High-risk factors include:
- Lax daily brushing and flossing routines.
- Constant intake of sugary and/or acidic foods and beverages (soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and some fruit juices).
Poor oral hygiene and constant intake of sweets create an ideal environment for decay-causing bacteria, which create tooth-eroding acids.
Important Note on Fluoride Safety
However, there is such a thing as too much fluoride—particularly when it comes to children. If developing teeth absorb too much fluoride, they can become permanently stained or even pitted—a condition referred to as enamel fluorosis. It is not dangerous, but may require cosmetic dental work. That’s why young children should not be allowed to swallow fluoride toothpaste.
Adults who take in excessive fluoride throughout their lifetimes may become more prone to bone fractures or tenderness (skeletal fluorosis). Still, given that excessive doses of fluoride could cause problems, it’s best to consult a dental professional at Schaefer Dental Group on the most appropriate products for you and your child to use.