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Know it all- Fluorides!

By The Dentist

       Fluoride is often referred as double ended sword. So is technology, still we don’t refrain ourselves from using it. Same way, by following proper guidelines from your dentist, you can make a virtue of fluorides. Fluoride is a solace for high risk caries individuals.

High risk caries individuals:
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Diet rich in sugar or caries causing food
  • Those who wear orthodontic brackets
  • Individuals with less saliva secretion (due to medications)
  • Children with special health care needs
  • Pregnant women
Mechanism:
    When you use fluoride containing tooth paste/ mouth rinses, it strengthens your teeth in 3 ways.


  1. It decreases the solubility of tooth by incorporating fluorapatite crystals which is not naturally found in your teeth.
  2. It can reverse caries at early stages.
  3. It also inhibits production of acids by plaque bacteria.


Fluoridated toothpaste: 20-40% reduction in caries
   
Kids- Children below 6 years can brush using fluoridated paste once and non-fluoridated paste once while children over 6yrs of age can brush twice daily using fluoridated tooth paste.
   Adults- Fluoride concentration for adults may range from 1000-14500ppm. High caries individuals  are advised to use higher concentrations.
   It also helps in plummeting sensitivity.
Fluoridated mouthwash:
    Mouthwashes of varying fluoride concentrations are available over the counter suitable for daily/ weekly use accordingly.
    It is best to avoid alcohol containing mouthwash for kids.
    It is appreciable to use fluoridated mouthwash and toothpaste at different times of a day for the greatest benefit. High risk caries individuals can use these mouthwashes.

How to avoid fluorosis?
   
    The most important thing to remember is to spit out, nevertheless how much you like the taste. Always supervise your kids and make sure they don't swallow.
    Also people living in areas with high fluoride content in water can use non-fluoridated tooth paste.
        
 
     Apart from fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash, other forms of topical fluorides (varnish, sealants, gel) are available in dental offices. If your kid has more carious teeth, you should definitely consider those options.  
         
    You can keep your teeth for a lifetime, all it takes is crucial care!

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