Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in water, soil, and air. It has been thoroughly studied and proven to be one of the best forms of prevention against tooth decay.
How Does Fluoride Work?
Your body can take in fluoride in two ways: topically and systemically.
- Systemically means that fluoride is ingested, typically through fluoridated water or dietary supplements.
- Topically means that fluoride is applied directly onto a surface, usually through toothpaste, mouthwashes, and fluoride treatments such as those we perform at Bondi Family Dentist.
Why is Fluoride Important?
Every day, the outer layer of your tooth (enamel) gains and loses minerals when you eat and drink. You can lose minerals (demineralization) through acid attacks from plaque and bacteria in your mouth. However, you can gain minerals (remineralization) by consuming foods and drinks that contain fluoride, calcium, and phosphate.
When demineralization exceeds remineralization, tooth decay occurs. Fluoride slows down bacteria by integrating into the enamel and strengthening the outer layer of your tooth.
At Bondi Family Dentist, we ensure that a fluoride treatment is included in every check-up and hygiene appointment. This fluoride helps repair demineralized tooth enamel and makes your teeth more resistant to protect against future decay.
Indications for Fluoride Treatment
We at Bondi Family Dentist recommend fluoride application for everyone over the age of six as a preventive measure. Fluoride is especially vital for individuals at higher risk of tooth decay, erosion, dry mouth, or those with numerous restorations.
Kids:
Our clinicians recommend that children under two years of age use fluoride-free toothpaste, as they are not fully able to spit it out.
Children aged 2-6 should use toothpaste that contains a maximum of 900 ppm of fluoride (this can be checked on the back of the toothpaste package). They should apply only a smear of toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
After the age of six, children can use a pea-sized amount of regular adult-strength toothpaste.
At Bondi Family Dentist, we recommend that parents brush their children’s teeth until they are seven years old.
Adults:
Adults should use toothpaste with approximately 1000-1400 ppm of fluoride.
Patients at Higher Risk of Tooth Decay
Environmental and physical factors can increase the risk of tooth decay. Such factors include higher sugar exposure, dry mouth, poor plaque control, diabetes, gingival recession, braces, and hypoplastic teeth. In these cases, we at Bondi Family Dentist may recommend using a stronger fluoridated toothpaste (5000 ppm of fluoride) for better preventive care. Another product we often recommend is GC Tooth Mousse, which contains a molecule (CPP-ACP) combined with fluoride to enhance mineral uptake by the teeth.
Is Fluoride Toxic?
Fluoride is only hazardous when ingested in high levels. The toxicity is based on an individual’s weight, and it is extremely hard to reach such levels. When used correctly, fluoride is safe and effective.
At Bondi Family Dentist
Professional fluoride treatment usually takes only a couple of minutes. The fluoride can come in the form of gel, foam, or varnish.
After the fluoride is applied, be sure not to eat or drink for 30 minutes. This allows your teeth to fully absorb the fluoride.
Give us a call at 0293695647 to book your check-up and hygiene appointment, or book online now.
