About this topic
Fluoride is a mineral that is occurs in nature. It is found in many natural water sources. Fluoride is very good for your teeth. It works by keeping the outer layer of your teeth strong. Small amounts of fluoride are in some foods we eat. Many cities add fluoride to the water we drink. ‚
Fluoride is important in preventing teeth from rotting or decay. There are many ways you can get fluoride to help keep your teeth strong and healthy. ‚
General
Everyone has germs in the mouth. After you eat, you have food pieces and sugar left on your teeth. The germs combine with the food and sugar and make acid. The acid can eat away at the protective enamel of the tooth and cause tooth decay. Fluoride can help make the enamel on your teeth stronger from the inside and on the outside. ‚
- From the inside ¢ ˆ ’ When you drink water with fluoride in it, the fluoride enters your bloodstream. It becomes a part of your teeth as they develop. This is also how a fluoride supplement from your doctor works. This kind of fluoride is most important when you are young because this is when your permanent teeth are developing.
- From the outside ¢ ˆ ’ Your teeth absorb fluoride when you brush with a fluoride toothpaste or use a rinse with fluoride in it. They also absorb fluoride if your dentist gives you a fluoride treatment in the office. Some fluoride is absorbed as water with fluoride as it washes over your teeth when you drink.
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What will the results be?
You have stronger teeth and fewer cavities. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
- Brush your teeth after every meal but at least 2 times a day. Do not rush when you brush. Spend 2 full minutes cleaning all of your teeth. Use a toothpaste with fluoride. Do not rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing.
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth at least every day.
- Help your child brush their teeth. Only let your child use fluoride toothpaste if they are able to spit.
- Try to stay away from foods and drinks that are high in sugar and starch, such as chocolate, sweets, cakes, and drinks that have sugar.
- See your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups.
What problems could happen?
Take extra care when your child uses a toothpaste or mouth rinse with fluoride in it. If a young child swallows too much toothpaste with fluoride in it, the child may have faint white lines or streaks on the permanent teeth. This is fluorosis. The childs teeth are still strong and healthy. This problem only happens when a child's teeth are forming under the gums. It does not happen after the teeth break through the gums. ‚
- Use a tiny smear of toothpaste for children under age 3.
- Use a pea size amount of toothpaste for older children.
- Teach young children to spit out toothpaste when brushing.
- Always supervise when a child is brushing the teeth.
Mixing infant formulas with water may also cause fluorosis. Talk to your child's doctor about the best kind of water to use to mix formulas for your child. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
Tooth pain that is getting worse ‚
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=F&iid=303&aid=1248 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fluoride ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fluorosis ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚