Fluoride Treatment: Is Fluoride Good or Bad for Your Teeth?
What Is Fluoride?
You may have heard of the well-known debate: Is fluoride good for your teeth or is fluoride bad for your teeth? But first, let’s start with the question, ‘what is fluoride?’ Fluoride is a mineral commonly found naturally in water, soil, and rocks. Over the years, the advantages of fluoride have become widely researched and as a result fluoride has been added to many items used daily, including toothpastes, mouth rinses, and community water systems. Fluoride has been found to promote good oral health in numerous ways. Continue reading to learn more.
How Does Fluoride Work to Protect Your Teeth?
Fluoride for the teeth can be beneficial for various reasons. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel by bonding to essential tooth-friendly minerals, calcium and phosphate, to form fluorapatite. Fluorapatite makes tooth enamel more resistant to bacterial decay and the demineralization process. Fluorapatite also helps reverse early tooth decay through the process of remineralization, or the readdition of calcium and phosphate into tooth enamel.
Types of Fluoride Used in Dental Treatments
Wondering, ‘should i get fluoride at the dentist?’ Yes, your dentist can evaluate if you are a good candidate for fluoride treatment and determine the best type of fluoride for you. Dental fluoride treatment is commonly applied in a variety of ways, including via toothpastes, mouth rinses, gels, foams, and varnishes. The main types of fluoride used in dental treatments are sodium fluoride (sodium based) and stannous fluoride (tin based). Both sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride work to protect against tooth decay. However, stannous fluoride contains additional antimicrobial properties, but may cause yellow or brown tooth staining when used in high concentrations.
What Happens During a Fluoride Treatment?
What's fluoride for dentist procedure? Fluoride treatment from your dental professional is simple and effective. First, your dentist will clean your teeth to ensure no dental plaque and calculus are present. Next, your dentist will apply a thin layer of fluoride to your teeth using a brush or tray. Aftercare instructions will be given by your dentist, which typically includes avoiding brushing or flossing for the next 4-6 hours and avoiding hot and acidic foods and beverages for several hours after fluoride application.
At What Age Is Fluoride Intake Most Crucial?
Fluoride intake in children is crucial, as the appropriate use of fluoride is beneficial for their developing teeth. Fluoride is typically considered the standard of care for children between the ages of six months and 16 years. However, overexposure to fluoride, particularly before the age of 8, can increase the risk of fluorosis in children’s developing teeth.
Fluoride for Children: What Parents Should Know
Fluoride is both safe and effective to be used in children when used appropriately. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a smear or size of grain of rice of fluoride toothpaste two times a day when the first tooth appears until 3 years old. For children aged 3 years and older, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended. It is important to make sure your child is expectorating the toothpaste and not swallowing it. Speak with your child’s pediatric dentist about fluoride recommendations and stay informed about the levels of fluoride in your local community’s water system.
Is Fluoride Good or Bad for Your Teeth?
So, is fluoride good for your teeth or is fluoride bad for your teeth? In general, fluoride is beneficial for your oral health, by making your teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. However, if fluoride is not used properly it can be harmful to your teeth. Be sure you are following the guidelines and recommendations of your dental professionals when using fluoride for your teeth.
Benefits of Fluoride for Oral Health
Is fluoride good for your teeth? Yes, there are many benefits of fluoride.
Strengthens Tooth Enamel and Repairs Early Damage
Fluoride treatment can help strengthen tooth enamel by promoting remineralization, or the replenishment of calcium and phosphate into teeth. Fluoride can also reverse early stages of tooth decay.
Slows or Reverses the Development of Cavities
Fluoride can reverse the development of cavities by repairing tooth enamel with healthy minerals. Fluoride also helps block harmful bacteria from causing further damage to teeth, by making teeth more resistant to acids produced by bacterial plaque.
Reduces the Risk of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
By blocking the activity of harmful bacteria, fluoride treatment can lower your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Prolongs the Life of Baby Teeth and Prevents Premature Tooth Loss
Premature loss of baby teeth can be detrimental for the developing adult teeth. Early tooth loss can lead to future alignment and bite issues, and difficulty chewing and speaking. Fluoride helps keep baby teeth strong and healthy, lowering their risk of having to be extracted prematurely.
Reduces Tooth Sensitivity and Pain
Fluoride can reduce tooth sensitivity and pain by strengthening tooth enamel, making them less sensitive to stimuli that trigger the inner nerves, such as hot or cold foods.
Saves Time and Money on Future Dental Work
Keeping your teeth strong with fluoride can lower your risk of developing dental issues and consequently help you save time and money on future dental treatment.
How Much Fluoride Do You Need?
Dental fluoride treatment frequency can depend on the recommendation of your dental professional. Taking into consideration your risk for cavities based on factors like diet, oral hygiene, and medical and dental history, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments every three, six, or twelve months.
How Often Should You Have Fluoride Treatments?
The frequency of fluoride treatments can depend on your oral health and risk of cavities. Pediatric dentists often recommend fluoride treatments every six months for children. The frequency of fluoride treatments for adults may vary depending on the recommendation of the dentist.
Why Is Fluoridation Controversial?
There has long been a debate between the risks and benefits of water fluoridation that stands to this day. Some question the strength of the evidence for the effects of fluoride, along with legal and ethical implications of fluoride use.
What Does the American Dental Association (ADA) Say About Fluoride?
The American Dental Association (ADA) advocates for community water fluoridation and fluoride use in oral products like varnish, toothpaste, and mouth rinses. The ADA proclaims the safety and efficacy of fluoride in tooth decay prevention when used properly.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Fluoride
Improper use of fluoride can lead to many issues, including:
Tooth Discoloration and Fluorosis
One of the main signs of excess fluoride intake is tooth discoloration. Excess fluoride consumption, particularly during tooth development in childhood, is commonly known as dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is characterized by white or brown spots on teeth enamel. The enamel may even become pitted in severe cases.
High levels of fluoride have also been associated with skeletal fluorosis, which is a condition that can cause bone deformation.
Allergic Reactions or Irritation
Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to fluoride. Allergic reactions to fluoride may present as skin rashes, eczema, or hives. Swelling, redness, and itchiness may be present on skin. Other symptoms may include oral sores, facial swelling, headaches, stomach upset, nausea, muscle fatigue, and joint pain. In severe cases, symptoms of anaphylactic shock may occur.
Potential Impact on Brain Development
A systematic review conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) found a potential link between high levels of fluoride exposure in water (greater than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter) and lower IQ in children. The study found no evidence that fluoride exposure had adverse effects on adult IQ. However, more research is needed to further support these findings.
Is Fluoride Toxic?
When used improperly, fluoride can be toxic to the body. Here’s what you should know:
How the Body Processes Fluoride
When fluoride is consumed, the body absorbs it from the stomach and intestines, and then distributes it throughout the body. The majority of the consumed fluoride is stored in bones and teeth, while the rest is excreted out of the body through urine.
Preventing Issues Related to Excessive Fluoride
One of the best ways to prevent excessive fluoride intake is to monitor how much fluoride you’re consuming. Be sure to check your local water supply for fluoride levels and use the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste. Monitor your child’s fluoride intake by helping them with brushing and making sure they spit out toothpaste. Talk with your dentist about any concerns about fluoride you may have.
How Effective Is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride has been found to be an effective treatment for preventing tooth decay and promoting oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay has been reduced by 25% as a result of fluoridated water. The reduction in rates of tooth decay has a positive impact on reducing the need for other consequential dental treatments (i.e. cavity fillings, tooth extractions), and missed days from school and work.
How Much Does a Fluoride Treatment Cost?
The cost of fluoride treatment at dentist can vary depending on numerous factors. For instance, the cost can be influenced by the location of your dentist’s office and their expertise, dental insurance coverage, and the type of fluoride treatment performed. On average, fluoride treatments cost roughly between $20 and $50 without insurance coverage. Some insurance may cover the total cost or a percentage of fluoride treatment costs.
