Talk with your pediatrician about whether your child should receive fluoride supplements. Supplements often are recommended if your drinking water does not provide enough fluoride to strengthen teeth as they develop.
How much fluoride is enough? The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have developed this table as a guide for when children should be given fluoride supplements.
Fluoride Ion Level in Drinking Water in parts per million (ppm)
Age of Child Less than 0.3 ppm 0.3 to 0.6 ppm More than 0.6 ppm
Less than 6 months No supplementation No supplementation No supplementation
6 months to 3 years 0.25 mg/day No supplementation No supplementation
3 years to 6 years 0.5 mg/day 0.25 mg/day No supplementation
6 years to 16 years 1.0 mg/day 0.5 mg/day No supplementation
For reference:
1 ppm = 1 milligram per liter of water
1 ppm = 0.5 milligram per pint (16 ounces) of water
1 ppm = 0.25 milligram per cup (8 ounces) of water
1 gram of fluoridated toothpaste contains about 1 milligram of fluoride
Showing posts with label Fluoride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fluoride. Show all posts
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Can Fluoride Help Adults?
Fluoride isn't just for children.
"The use of fluoride can prove beneficial for both children and adults," says Sandra Burkett, D.D.S. Dr. Burkett is an instructor of clinical dentistry at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
Young children were the main focus of early efforts to add fluoride to water. Now, research has shown that fluoride applied directly to teeth is just as important for fighting decay.
"The regular use of fluoride helps to protect the permanent teeth from decay and sensitivity," Dr. Burkett says. "This allows patients to keep their permanent teeth much longer."
Everyone should use fluoride every day. But some adults are at higher risk of decay than others. They might need more intensive use of supplements. To find out if you might be one of them, consider these questions:
1. Are you taking any medicines that cause your mouth to become dry? Do you have a disease that causes dry mouth?
Many adults take medicines that can cause dry mouth, which is also called xerostomia. Many common drugs have this side effect. They include antihistamines and medicines for allergies, anxiety and high blood pressure.
Some diseases also can cause dry mouth. The most notable are Sjögren's syndrome and diabetes.
"Decreased saliva flow can increase your risk for dental decay," Dr. Burkett says.
That's because saliva washes away bits of food that are fuel for decay-causing bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that decay teeth. Saliva helps to neutralize the acids. It also contains many minerals, including fluoride, that help keep your teeth decay-free.
If you are having dry mouth, try using a fluoride mouthwash. It can help to moisten your mouth and protect your teeth. Saliva substitutes are also available at the pharmacy. Many people use them to replace the saliva they have lost.
Dr. Burkett also recommends sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum to increase the flow of saliva. In particular, she recommends products that contain xylitol. This natural sugar helps to protect teeth from decay.
2. Have your gums receded so more of your teeth show, or has your dentist told you that you have periodontal (gum) disease?
By the time you're an adult, you may already have some form of periodontal disease. This condition can cause your gums to recede and expose more of your teeth. Receding gums give bacteria more room to roam and put you at risk of getting cavities in the roots of your teeth. For example, more than half of adults over age 75 have had root decay. If your dentist has treated you for periodontal disease, your gums may have been reshaped. This process exposes tooth roots, which also can lead to decay.
To protect your teeth's roots, your dentist can paint a fluoride varnish or gel on them. You can use a fluoride mouthwash or a prescription fluoride gel to get more fluoride.
3. Have you needed a filling in the last year?
If you have had recent tooth decay, you're at risk for more. You still have the bacteria and other conditions in your mouth that can lead to cavities. "The use of fluoride should be an important part of your daily oral health care regimen if you have prior cavities," Dr. Burkett says.
4. Do you have crowned teeth and/or bridges?
Crowned teeth are not safe from cavities. As long as some natural tooth remains, these teeth are at risk. "The edges of fillings or crowns can provide a hiding place for decay-causing bacteria," Dr. Burkett says. "Fluoride can protect the tooth from decay. In certain cases, it can stop the decay process and allow the tooth to get stronger."
5. Are you wearing dental braces?
"Braces make it difficult for you to reach all areas of the teeth. They provide niches where food can become lodged. The plaque that forms as a result can lead to cavities," Dr. Burkett says. "Your dentist can recommend a fluoride rinse or gel. Applying this daily protects the teeth against cavities."
6. Are you receiving, or have you received, radiation therapy to the head and neck?
Adults who get this type of therapy are at very high risk of tooth decay. That's because the radiation damages their salivary glands, causing dry mouth. Saliva fights tooth decay, so people with dry mouth are at higher risk for decay.
"If dry mouth results from radiation therapy, then it is important that you use generous amounts of fluoride to prevent decay," Dr. Burkett says. "You also should visit your dentist every two to three months, or as recommended."
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"The use of fluoride can prove beneficial for both children and adults," says Sandra Burkett, D.D.S. Dr. Burkett is an instructor of clinical dentistry at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
Young children were the main focus of early efforts to add fluoride to water. Now, research has shown that fluoride applied directly to teeth is just as important for fighting decay.
"The regular use of fluoride helps to protect the permanent teeth from decay and sensitivity," Dr. Burkett says. "This allows patients to keep their permanent teeth much longer."
Everyone should use fluoride every day. But some adults are at higher risk of decay than others. They might need more intensive use of supplements. To find out if you might be one of them, consider these questions:
1. Are you taking any medicines that cause your mouth to become dry? Do you have a disease that causes dry mouth?
Many adults take medicines that can cause dry mouth, which is also called xerostomia. Many common drugs have this side effect. They include antihistamines and medicines for allergies, anxiety and high blood pressure.
Some diseases also can cause dry mouth. The most notable are Sjögren's syndrome and diabetes.
"Decreased saliva flow can increase your risk for dental decay," Dr. Burkett says.
That's because saliva washes away bits of food that are fuel for decay-causing bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that decay teeth. Saliva helps to neutralize the acids. It also contains many minerals, including fluoride, that help keep your teeth decay-free.
If you are having dry mouth, try using a fluoride mouthwash. It can help to moisten your mouth and protect your teeth. Saliva substitutes are also available at the pharmacy. Many people use them to replace the saliva they have lost.
Dr. Burkett also recommends sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum to increase the flow of saliva. In particular, she recommends products that contain xylitol. This natural sugar helps to protect teeth from decay.
2. Have your gums receded so more of your teeth show, or has your dentist told you that you have periodontal (gum) disease?
By the time you're an adult, you may already have some form of periodontal disease. This condition can cause your gums to recede and expose more of your teeth. Receding gums give bacteria more room to roam and put you at risk of getting cavities in the roots of your teeth. For example, more than half of adults over age 75 have had root decay. If your dentist has treated you for periodontal disease, your gums may have been reshaped. This process exposes tooth roots, which also can lead to decay.
To protect your teeth's roots, your dentist can paint a fluoride varnish or gel on them. You can use a fluoride mouthwash or a prescription fluoride gel to get more fluoride.
3. Have you needed a filling in the last year?
If you have had recent tooth decay, you're at risk for more. You still have the bacteria and other conditions in your mouth that can lead to cavities. "The use of fluoride should be an important part of your daily oral health care regimen if you have prior cavities," Dr. Burkett says.
4. Do you have crowned teeth and/or bridges?
Crowned teeth are not safe from cavities. As long as some natural tooth remains, these teeth are at risk. "The edges of fillings or crowns can provide a hiding place for decay-causing bacteria," Dr. Burkett says. "Fluoride can protect the tooth from decay. In certain cases, it can stop the decay process and allow the tooth to get stronger."
5. Are you wearing dental braces?
"Braces make it difficult for you to reach all areas of the teeth. They provide niches where food can become lodged. The plaque that forms as a result can lead to cavities," Dr. Burkett says. "Your dentist can recommend a fluoride rinse or gel. Applying this daily protects the teeth against cavities."
6. Are you receiving, or have you received, radiation therapy to the head and neck?
Adults who get this type of therapy are at very high risk of tooth decay. That's because the radiation damages their salivary glands, causing dry mouth. Saliva fights tooth decay, so people with dry mouth are at higher risk for decay.
"If dry mouth results from radiation therapy, then it is important that you use generous amounts of fluoride to prevent decay," Dr. Burkett says. "You also should visit your dentist every two to three months, or as recommended."
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
Water Fluoridation: When, Where and Why
Fluoride's benefits to teeth were discovered in the 1930s. Dentists started to notice that people who drank water that naturally contained fluoride had less tooth decay.
Communities have added fluoride to water supplies since 1945. Fluoridation involves adjusting the natural level of fluoride in the water. The goal is a level of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm). This is one part of fluoride in one million parts of water. It's roughly comparable to one minute in two years, or one cent in $10,000.
In 1945, Grand Rapids, Mich., became the first city in the world to have its water fluoridated. A 15-year study there showed that water fluoridation reduced tooth decay in children by more than 60%. Around the country, adding fluoride to water has led to reduction in decay rates of:
* 30% to 60% in children younger than 8
* 20% to 40% in children ages 8 to 12
* 15% to 35% in older children and adults
With less tooth decay, fewer teeth have to be filled or extracted. Dental treatment costs go down.
Today, about 62% of people served by public water supplies have adequate levels of fluoride in their water. Of the 50 largest U.S. cities, 43 have water fluoridation systems. In the United States, water fluoridation costs an average of 50 cents per person per year. About 60 other countries also practice water fluoridation.
A 1998 survey found that 70% of Americans support community water fluoridation. However, some people oppose the practice. Some say it limits their freedom of choice. Others misinterpret scientific information on the safety of fluoride.
To date, more than 70 studies have shown that fluoride helps to reduce tooth decay. The most recent studies have shown less of a benefit to water fluoridation than older studies did. That's because more people are now getting fluoride from sources besides water. Other common sources include toothpaste and mouth rinses. Also, more foods and beverages — for example, soft drinks and spaghetti sauce — now contain fluoride because they are made with fluoridated water.
Is My Water Fluoridated?
he easiest way to find out if your water is fluoridated is to contact your local water district or water company. They also can tell you the concentration of fluoride in your water. Information on how to contact your water supplier should be on your water bill. You also could look in the "Local Government" section of your phone book.
Some types of home water filters can remove significant amounts of fluoride from water. Reverse-osmosis systems and distillation units have been shown to remove fluoride. Research on other systems has not shown conclusive results. Pitcher filters and filters that attach to your water faucet generally do not remove fluoride. To be certain, check with the manufacturer or read the information that came with the filter.
If you use a home water-treatment system, have the fluoride level of your water tested at least once a year. You may be able to get tests through your local or state health department. A private laboratory is another option.
Communities have added fluoride to water supplies since 1945. Fluoridation involves adjusting the natural level of fluoride in the water. The goal is a level of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm). This is one part of fluoride in one million parts of water. It's roughly comparable to one minute in two years, or one cent in $10,000.
In 1945, Grand Rapids, Mich., became the first city in the world to have its water fluoridated. A 15-year study there showed that water fluoridation reduced tooth decay in children by more than 60%. Around the country, adding fluoride to water has led to reduction in decay rates of:
* 30% to 60% in children younger than 8
* 20% to 40% in children ages 8 to 12
* 15% to 35% in older children and adults
With less tooth decay, fewer teeth have to be filled or extracted. Dental treatment costs go down.
Today, about 62% of people served by public water supplies have adequate levels of fluoride in their water. Of the 50 largest U.S. cities, 43 have water fluoridation systems. In the United States, water fluoridation costs an average of 50 cents per person per year. About 60 other countries also practice water fluoridation.
A 1998 survey found that 70% of Americans support community water fluoridation. However, some people oppose the practice. Some say it limits their freedom of choice. Others misinterpret scientific information on the safety of fluoride.
To date, more than 70 studies have shown that fluoride helps to reduce tooth decay. The most recent studies have shown less of a benefit to water fluoridation than older studies did. That's because more people are now getting fluoride from sources besides water. Other common sources include toothpaste and mouth rinses. Also, more foods and beverages — for example, soft drinks and spaghetti sauce — now contain fluoride because they are made with fluoridated water.
Is My Water Fluoridated?
he easiest way to find out if your water is fluoridated is to contact your local water district or water company. They also can tell you the concentration of fluoride in your water. Information on how to contact your water supplier should be on your water bill. You also could look in the "Local Government" section of your phone book.
Some types of home water filters can remove significant amounts of fluoride from water. Reverse-osmosis systems and distillation units have been shown to remove fluoride. Research on other systems has not shown conclusive results. Pitcher filters and filters that attach to your water faucet generally do not remove fluoride. To be certain, check with the manufacturer or read the information that came with the filter.
If you use a home water-treatment system, have the fluoride level of your water tested at least once a year. You may be able to get tests through your local or state health department. A private laboratory is another option.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride in foods, supplements and water enter the bloodstream through the stomach. From there, it is absorbed into the body. In children, the fluoride then becomes available to the teeth that are developing in the jaw.
Topical fluoride products are applied directly to the teeth. They include toothpaste, mouth rinses and professionally applied fluoride treatments. Topical fluoride treatments are in the mouth for only a short time. However, fluoride levels in the mouth remain higher for several hours afterward. Fluoride found in the water and in food products also works this way because the water washes over the teeth and some fluoride remains in the saliva.
Fluoride treatments are given in a dental office. They are applied as a gel, foam or varnish. The fluoride used for these treatments is at much higher strength than mouthwashes or toothpastes.
Fluoride supplements also are available by prescription. They usually are reserved for children who live in areas where the water supply does not contain enough fluoride. Children who need supplements receive them from ages 6 months to 16 years.
Topical fluoride products are applied directly to the teeth. They include toothpaste, mouth rinses and professionally applied fluoride treatments. Topical fluoride treatments are in the mouth for only a short time. However, fluoride levels in the mouth remain higher for several hours afterward. Fluoride found in the water and in food products also works this way because the water washes over the teeth and some fluoride remains in the saliva.
Fluoride treatments are given in a dental office. They are applied as a gel, foam or varnish. The fluoride used for these treatments is at much higher strength than mouthwashes or toothpastes.
Fluoride supplements also are available by prescription. They usually are reserved for children who live in areas where the water supply does not contain enough fluoride. Children who need supplements receive them from ages 6 months to 16 years.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Fluoride's Importance to the Teeth
Enamel, the outer layer of the crown of a tooth, is made of closely packed mineral crystals. Every day, minerals are lost and gained from inside the enamel crystals. These processes are called demineralization and remineralization.
Demineralization is when acids in the mouth dissolve the enamel crystals that make up the outer layer of the tooth. These acids are formed by the combination of plaque bacteria and sugar in your mouth. The loss of enamel is balanced by remineralization. In this process, minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate are deposited inside the enamel. Too much loss of minerals without enough replacement leads to tooth decay.
Fluoride helps teeth in two ways. When children eat or drink fluoride in small doses, it enters the bloodstream and becomes part of their developing permanent teeth. This also makes it harder for acids to cause demineralization. In addition, fluoride works directly on teeth in the mouths of children and adults. It helps to speed remineralization and disrupt the production of acids by bacteria.
Demineralization is when acids in the mouth dissolve the enamel crystals that make up the outer layer of the tooth. These acids are formed by the combination of plaque bacteria and sugar in your mouth. The loss of enamel is balanced by remineralization. In this process, minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate are deposited inside the enamel. Too much loss of minerals without enough replacement leads to tooth decay.
Fluoride helps teeth in two ways. When children eat or drink fluoride in small doses, it enters the bloodstream and becomes part of their developing permanent teeth. This also makes it harder for acids to cause demineralization. In addition, fluoride works directly on teeth in the mouths of children and adults. It helps to speed remineralization and disrupt the production of acids by bacteria.
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