Fluoridation – What Exactly is Fluoride?
Many of you often hear from your dentist about the properties of fluoride. But what exactly is it, and why is it useful?
Fluoride is a natural mineral element. Small amounts of fluoride are present in drinking water and certain foods. It is widely used in dentistry because its contribution to reducing tooth decay is invaluable.
How Does It Protect Us?
Tooth decay is caused by a process known as demineralization. Demineralization of the tooth is a process where essential substances, such as calcium, are gradually removed from the tooth. This occurs due to continuous and prolonged exposure of the teeth to acids. These acids are produced by specific bacteria that live in our mouths, particularly on our teeth (dental plaque).
The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed on sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, etc.). During their metabolism, they produce acidic byproducts. When these acids remain on the tooth, they cause demineralization. Simply put, the acids “eat away” at the tooth gradually, leading to the formation of a cavity on the surface.
Fluoride has a crucial property: it makes the enamel of the teeth (the hard outer surface) less soluble in these bacterial acids. By leveraging this “gift” properly, we can prevent tooth decay.
Sources of Fluoride
1. Oral Hygiene Products:
- Fluoridated toothpaste.
- Specialized mouth rinses containing fluoride.
- Fluoride tablets for children.
2. Foods:
- Tea (black or green).
- Fish (sardines, mackerel, cod).
- Seafood (shrimp).
3. Water:
- The fluoridation of drinking water is not implemented in our country. It is systematically applied in the U.S., and scientific data show a 60% reduction in tooth decay in school-aged children.
4. Professional Fluoridation:
- Fluoride treatments are administered by your dentist.
Proper Use of Fluoride Sources:
1. Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. The technique of brushing is more important than the amount of toothpaste used.
2. Do not give fluoride mouth rinses to children due to the increased risk of swallowing.
3. Children under 6 should brush their teeth while parents are present to ensure they do not swallow toothpaste and rinse their mouth well after brushing.
4. For children under 3 years old, brushing should be done by a parent with just the toothbrush, without any toothpaste.