There’s a mysterious ingredient on the back of your toothpaste tube that dentists love to talk about. Fluoride has been protecting people’s smiles for decades. While you’re brushing your teeth, it’s getting to work rebuilding your tooth enamel and fighting off decay.
But what exactly is it? And what makes it so special? Let’s get into it.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in drinking water and certain foods, including oats, bran, potatoes and raisins, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. It’s a very important part of dental care as it helps to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel, the protective outer layer on teeth.

However, like many things, excessive fluoride can lead to problems. Although rare, excessive fluoride exposure may lead to tooth discolouration or dental fluorosis.

How Fluoride Works

Fluoride works to prevent tooth decay by making tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria. It protects teeth and it also helps rebuild tooth enamel. Fluoride has even been shown to help reverse the effects of early tooth decay.

When you consume fluoride, it’s absorbed by the gut and stored in your teeth and bones. Children have rapidly forming teeth and bones and absorb fluoride more readily.

Fluoride in Water

Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water. The National Health and Medical Research Council revealed in a public statement that it’s been found to reduce tooth decay by 26-44% in children and by 27% in adults. However, the amount of fluoride in drinking water isn’t always enough for full protection and some people don’t have access to this fluoridated water.

While there is some controversy over the addition of fluoride to community water supplies, fluoridation programs are considered a safe and effective way to protect to reduce tooth decay.

Not all councils or water utilities fluoridate their water supply. This is why it’s important to use fluoride toothpaste, especially if you drink a lot of bottled water or your home uses bore or tank water.

Benefits of Fluoride Toothpaste

Choosing fluoridated toothpaste is crucial for keeping your teeth protected. It helps prevent tooth decay and cavities by strengthening tooth enamel, prevents the build-up of bacteria that causes plaque and repairs the early stages of tooth decay by remineralising tooth enamel.

It’s a safe, inexpensive and easy-to-access way to protect baby teeth and adult teeth.

Professional Fluoride Treatments

If you are at risk of dental decay, your dentist may suggest you have a professional fluoride treatment to protect you between visits. Different products can be used, such as a fluoride varnish or gel, which deliver a higher concentration of fluoride directly to teeth.

Professional fluoride treatments are especially good for protecting a child’s teeth from decay and for those with weak or sensitive enamel.

Debunking Fluoride Myths

Despite its well-proven benefits, some myths about the safety and effectiveness of fluoride remain.

Myth 1. Fluoride causes health problems

Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council has done extensive research on the fluoridation of community water supplies and concluded that fluoride does not have adverse health effects. It does not cause autism, cancer, low intelligence or other major health problems.

Myth 2. Fluoride toothpaste isn’t effective

Fluoride research began in 1901 and there is now an overwhelming amount of evidence to support its benefits in preventing tooth decay.

Myth 3. It’s best to rinse your teeth after brushing

This is not true. After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste but don’t rinse your mouth immediately. This allows you to get the full benefits of fluoride toothpaste as it remains on the tooth surface for longer.

Additional Tips for a Healthy Smile

To maintain good oral health, it’s essential to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Regular visits to the dentist every six months can help identify any potential oral health issues early on. A healthy smile not only boosts your self-confidence but also plays a crucial role in your overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does fluoride in toothpaste help prevent tooth decay?

Fluoride toothpaste prevents tooth decay as it keeps tooth enamel strong and resistant to acid attacks.

What sort of dental products contain fluoride?

Fluoride is found in some brands of toothpaste, but not all, so check the label carefully to ensure it offers you the best protection against tooth decay. A mouth rinse containing fluoride is also available, as is dental floss with fluoride.

How do I know if I need a professional fluoride treatment?

Your dentist may recommend a professional fluoride treatment if you are suffering from gum disease which exposes tooth roots and increases the risk of decay, if you have weak enamel, or if you have orthodontic devices that make cleaning your teeth difficult, like braces.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Fluoride

Although it’s a naturally occurring mineral, fluoride as a dental treatment revolutionised dental health care and its oral health benefits cannot be ignored.

For personalised recommendations on using fluoride to protect your teeth, visit KB Village Dental. As well as checking your oral health, Dr Evan is more than happy to help you choose fluoride products that will keep your smile healthy. Call us today on (02) 9964 9166 to make an appointment.