Fluoride plays an essential role in achieving optimal dental health, which matches its nickname as natures cavity fighter. Fluoride helps repair and protect our teeth from damage. It is a naturally occuring mineral found in food and water that replace minerals that were lost from damage. There are many ways of consuming fluoride, but the main sources are from fluoridated products, food, and water. For most, to protect your teeth its important to consistently be getting a source of fluoride in small amounts. Consult your dentist about the specific fluoride requirements for you and how best to protect your dental health.
Benefits of fluoride:
- Prevents decay by strengthening enamel
- Promotes remineralization, allowing it to not only stop a lesion from turning into a cavity, but reversing it to a normal state
- Reduces hypersensitivity
How much fluoride is required;
- 0.05-0.07mg F/kg of body weight/day is the upper limit for fluoride intake to eliminate the risk of toxicity.
- Typically, a pea sized amount of fluoride can be used from age 3. Consult with your dentist about when your child can begin using fluoridated toothpaste.
Ways to receive fluoride:
Systemic intake:
- Systemic intake of fluoride is consuming food or drinks that contain fluoride, allowing very small amounts of fluoride to go into the Enamel from the bloodstream. It mainly helps strengthen the Enamel of unerupted teeth as it is developing. Eg. fluoridated water, sea food, tea/coffee,
Topical intake:
- Topical intake is when the fluoride is directly applied to the tooth’s surface, allowing the fluoride to diffuse into the enamel of erupted teeth. Eg. Fluoride varnish, Fluoride tray
Remember to consult your dentist, Dr. Abid Hidayat, to choose the best product for your dental health and achieve optimal results. As Scarborough’s leading dentist in family dental care, we care about what you need. You can reach our dental office in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, by calling 416-546-5599.