Fluoride, a type of mineral, is found in several foods and water naturally. Each day, some types of minerals are added to and eroded from our tooth's enamel – the top layer of our teeth. This process of gaining and losing minerals is called remineralization and demineralization. Minerals like fluoride, phosphate and calcium are remineralized to the enamel through various foods and water ingested. If both the process does not reciprocate in the same quantity it leads to oral issue.
Why Fluoride is Necessary
Fluoride prevents tooth decay by consolidating the tooth to resist acid attacks from sugar and plaque bacteria. It also slows down the process of decay. It is suggested that in children within 6 years of age, fluoride plays a great role in the growth and development of permanent teeth and protects the teeth from the acids to demineralize it. This mineral also expedites remineralization and disrupts production of acid in growing teeth of children and already existing teeth of adults.
Sources of Fluoride
General dentistry products and drinking water are considered to be the most common sources of fluoride and the most effective and instant source of this mineral is available in the clinic of dental professionals. The fluoride treatment can be availed by applying a concentration of fluoride and is left on the teeth to absorb into the enamel. As per the recommendation of the Australian Dental Association the paste and gel used for brushing or rinsing stay for a short while in our mouth vis-à-vis those gels applied in a dentist’s office.
How Fluoride Works
Fluoride works in three phases - before, during and after application and plays multiple roles for people of various ages. When used prior to eating or drinking it inhibits specific acid and prohibits from attacking the tooth enamel. When used directly on the teeth it sits in and helps the process of remineralization. After fluoridate treatment the fluoride-containing drinking water reaches the mouth and goes down the hatch and works to offer fluoride reservoirs from the inside.
Who Should Get a Fluoride Treatment
Minerals and vitamins are very important for healthy bodies and are particularly imperative for the growing kids. As calcium provides strong teeth and bones, fluoride solidifies the tooth enamel.
People prone to develop cavities are provided with concentrated fluoride treatments frequently, and individuals with following aspects should be the right candidate for receiving fluoride treatment dental plan:
- Poor oral diet and hygiene
- Prolonged cavities or any bacterial infection
- Health conditions or illnesses influencing teeth, like wrong eating habits, diabetes, cancer, alcohol and drug abuse
- A long gap between professional teeth exams and cleanings
- Dry mouth
- Exposed roots
- Split in tooth enamel
- A great deal of dental procedures or types of orthodontia leading to difficult to clean areas
How Fluoride Treatment is Performed
When a professional fluoride treatment is due, it follows a cleaning and examination of teeth. Your teeth will be coated with a gel, foam, liquid, or paste or it can also be applied with trays having fluoride compound. After the teeth are layered, the dentist will leave the substance to stay on for a few minutes before finally rinsing it and you will be asked to spit out any excess solution without using water. After this process you will be instructed to avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or more, including water. You may feel your teeth sticky, slimy, or fuzzy as per the solution applied. You can consult with your Family Dentist to know whether you really need the treatment or after treatment benefits specific to your oral condition.
Fluoride Treatment Results
Fluoride treatments are quite result-oriented when fused with great oral hygiene. Thorough bushing at least two times a day, flossing regularly and eating a balanced diet high in minerals and vitamins can keep you out of the dental category risk. Some people may experience slight discomfort or irritation in gum during or post fluoride treatment, in case sensitive teeth are an issue. In majority of case the treatment is performed without any pain and discomfort.
Risks Associated
Fluoride is quite safe and highly effective if administered as directed; but it may lead to hazardous situations if taken high doses. The "toxic" dosage level depends on the weight of different individuals. It is suggested to the parents to carefully monitor their kids’ use of fluoride-based products and to store fluoride products out of reach of the kids, particularly children below 6 years of age.
Apart from this, excessive dose of fluoride may lead to defects in enamels of teeth like slightly noticeable white mark or streaks or aesthetically objectionable brown spots. These are called fluorosis and are seen during the formation of teeth generally when the child is not more than 6 years.
This tooth staining caused due to fluoride cannot be cleaned practicing normal hygiene, the dentist can help you lighten it or remove it leveraging professional abrasives or bleaches.
Some Useful Tips
Some useful and tips about fluoride usage include:
- Keep fluoride supplements out of the reach of your young children.
- Don’t use flavored toothpastes as these can tempt children to swallow toothpaste.
- Give only a pea-sized quantity of fluoridated toothpaste to your children to brush their teeth.
- Be carefully about offering fluoridated toothpaste to your children within 6 years of age as they are of the tendency to swallow toothpaste instead of spitting.
If you're expecting some high risk dental issues, a fluoride treatment is the best option in every routine cleaning and even if there is no dental issue, it is mostly expected that your dentist would recommend coating of this mineral to offer your tooth strength to combat cavities and for the oral and as a Preventive care for teeth.
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