Fluoride is a mineral that is essential to the prevention of decay in teeth. It helps strengthen the tooth enamel to make it more resistant to the acid that is produced by the bacteria in our mouths.
There are several common sources of fluoride that are easily available in any part of the country.
The most readily attainable source is something you consume and use every day—water. The optimum level of fluoride in water is one part fluoride per million parts water.
If you would like to know if your water system contains fluoride, ask your dentist, local health department or water treatment department.
Water fluoridation has been shown to be very effective against cavities. In fact, nearly two thirds of cavities can be prevented in children who drink fluoridated water from birth. If you have your water tested and it is not fluoridated, a physician or dentist can prescribe fluoride supplements in the form of drops, tablets or mouth rinses.
Drops are best for infants. Gradually work from drops into tablets as the child gets older. In addition to water fluoridation, many school systems offer a fluoride program to provide rinses to the children at school.
During routine dental visits, the child will receive a topical application of fluoride gel, usually in soft foam mouthpiece trays. If the child has a high rate of decay or the present decay is extensive, the dentist may prescribe home rinses or prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste.
Another source of fluoride is in our daily diets. Dark green vegetables contain fluoride and can help supplement our attempt to be cavity-free.
Everyone should use fluoride toothpaste for extra protection against cavities. When purchasing toothpaste, read the label to make sure it contains fluoride. There are still toothpastes out on the market that don't contain fluoride.
Fluoride alone will not prevent cavities, but it greatly decreases the chance of them developing. Good tooth brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods, and seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly are all factors involved in preventing tooth decay.
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