Fluorides in dental care

The use of fluorides had initially begun as a preventive measure against tooth decay over thirty years ago. But studies regarding fluoridated water in the recent past have led to the conclusion that water containing 1mg of fluoride has been consumed for generations inadvertently. Water containing fluoride has been found to reduce dental caries around the world.

How does fluoride work?

Minerals needed for healthy teeth formation are brought to the site in the blood stream. The presence of fluoride, in adequate supply, helps the incorporation of these important minerals in the enamel of the tooth. This helps to make the enamel more resistant to attack by acids that form in the mouth.

Fluoride supplement is also helpful for adults. These fluorides are also incorporated onto the surface of the tooth, and make the tooth less susceptible to decay.

How do we get fluorides?

There are 2 basic ways of getting fluoride in our bodies.

Swallowing it in the form of fluoridated water and fluoride supplements
Daily use of fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses etc.

FLOUROSIS – Just as too much of anything is bad, the same is the case for too much fluorides, which causes Fluorosis. This is generally due to excessive ingestion of fluoride at an early age. It is generally noticed that kids often swallow toothpaste, instead of spitting it out. This may also lead to mild fluorosis. It causes spotting of the teeth in mild cases and pitting in extreme cases, mottling, grey discoloration of the whole surface and brittle, cracked teeth in the most severe cases.