Fluoride Treatments and Supplements

What Is It?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that strengthens teeth. In doing this, it can help to prevent tooth decay. Experts say the best way to prevent tooth decay is to use several sources of fluoride.

Fluoride is found naturally in water sources in small amounts. Some foods, such as meat, fish, eggs and tea, contain fluoride. It also is added to water in some areas. Many toothpastes, rinses and professional treatments contain fluoride. Prescription fluoride tablets are available for children who do not get fluoride in their water.

What It's Used For

Enamel is the outer layer of the crown of a tooth (the visible part). It is made of closely packed mineral crystals. Every day, the enamel loses and gains minerals. The loss of minerals is called demineralization. Gaining new minerals is called remineralization. These two processes balance each other.

Demineralization begins with the type of bacteria that cause plaque on your teeth. These bacteria feed on sugar in your mouth and produce acids. The acids dissolve the crystals in your teeth. Remineralization builds the enamel back up. In this process, minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate are deposited inside the enamel. Too much loss of minerals without enough repair of the enamel leads to tooth decay.

Fluoride strengthens teeth by helping to speed remineralization. It also helps to stop bacteria from making acids. Teeth can absorb fluoride in two ways. One way is through the small doses that children swallow in food, supplements and fluoridated water. This fluoride enters the bloodstream and becomes part of the permanent teeth as they develop. The teeth become stronger, so it is harder for acids to destroy the enamel.

Fluoride also can enter teeth directly in the mouth. This occurs in several ways:

* When you get a fluoride treatment at the dental office
* When you brush with fluoride toothpaste or use a fluoride rinse
* When fluoridated water washes over your teeth as you drink

Fluoride treatments commonly are given to children as their teeth are developing. If your child has a history of cavities or is at high risk of decay, he or she should use additional fluoride. This promotes remineralization of the teeth. Many children get fluoride treatments every six months. The treatments provide extra protection against cavities, even if children already drink fluoridated water.

Fluoride mouth rinses also can help children with a history of cavities or a high risk of decay. These rinses are recommended for children over age 6. You can find them in the mouthwash section of most stores. Prescription fluoride rinses and gels that provide a higher level of fluoride also are available.

Fluoride supplements generally are reserved for children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years who don't drink fluoridated water. These are available as liquids for younger children and tablets for older children. Either your pediatrician or your dentist can prescribe them.

Fluoride treatments help all teeth. They help to prevent decay in both children and adults. Anyone who is at risk of dental decay is a good candidate for fluoride treatments.

Factors that increase the risk of tooth decay include:

* A history of cavities
* Infrequent dental visits
* Poor brushing habits
* Poor diet habits, especially frequent snacking

Many common medicines can cause the mouth to be dry. Examples include antihistamines and medicines for high blood pressure, anxiety and depression. Without enough saliva, tooth decay gets worse quickly.

Preparation

Before you have an in-office fluoride treatment, your teeth should be clean. Your dentist may need to polish away stains. If you use fluoride rinses or gels at home, first brush your teeth thoroughly and floss them. It's a good idea to use fluoride products at night before bedtime. When you are sleeping, they are less likely to be washed or rinsed away.

Risks

As with other compounds, fluoride is safe and effective when used properly. However, it can be hazardous at high doses. All water-fluoridation systems are checked daily to maintain safe fluoride levels. Parents should supervise the use of all fluoride products, including toothpaste, in the home. Keep fluoride tablets stored safely away from young children.

Toxic fluoride doses are based on weight. For instance, a toxic dose of fluoride for an 8-year-old child weighing 45 pounds is 655 milligrams. In comparison, an 8-ounce glass of water with 1 part per million of fluoride contains 0.25 milligrams of fluoride. A small dab of toothpaste contains 0.24 milligrams of fluoride. Since these fluoride products are used in such small amounts, it is very difficult to receive toxic doses in a home setting.

When used properly, fluoride is safe and effective. Young children, in particular, should be supervised during in-office treatments and when using fluoride products at home. If they swallow too much fluoride, young children may become nauseous. Also, too much fluoride can cause spots to form on the enamel of any developing teeth. The spots will be visible when these teeth come into the mouth. Discuss these concerns with your dental professional. He or she can recommend which fluoride products are appropriate for you.