At Sandown Dental, we highly encourage the use of products containing fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and air and works to contribute to the prevention of cavities and tooth decay. For this reason it is added to toothpastes, mouth rinses and depending on where you live, also to the water supply in a process known as fluoridation. When you visit your dentist in East Belfast, you may notice that they will highly encourage you to substitute your normal toothpaste and mouthwash for products that contain fluoride so that your teeth can be protected from any potential causes of decay.
How does fluoride work?
Fluoride can be found naturally in food and water; however, depending on where you live, it may need to be added to your local community water supplies as it occurs in varying amounts. Your enamel is constantly losing and gaining minerals as it comes into contact with acids created by bacteria in your mouth when they come into contact with sugars and starches from your diet. Prolonged exposure to these harmful acids can eventually lead to a series of dental issues such as cavities and tooth decay as the surface of the enamel will begin to slowly weaken. Your dentist in East Belfast may recommend fluoride as it works by reversing early signs of decay and remineralising your tooth enamel, thus making it stronger. Fluoride makes your enamel more resistant to acid attacks by strengthening it in a process known as remineralisation.
What can fluoride be found in?
Fluoride can mainly be obtained through your diet as it is found in a lot of foods and water. Additionally, it is now found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes that can either be purchased over the counter or on prescription if you suffer with cavities or tooth decay and require a higher strength. Your dentist in East Belfast can also apply fluoride directly to your teeth in the form of a varnish, gel or foam which can be done at a routine dental appointment.
At what age can fluoride treatment begin?
As fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, it is safe to use from the moment your child begins growing their first milk teeth to ensure their teeth are always protected from cavities and decay. It is important to note that in poorer areas, the level of fluoride in the water will not be as high as it may be in richer areas, so in this case children may be offered varnishes and gels under a public health service to ensure dental inequalities are tackled.
In young children it is recommended that they brush their teeth using a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste at least two times a day. Please note it is important that your child is supervised while brushing their teeth, so they do not overuse the toothpaste and spit it out rather than swallowing it. Fluoride mouthwashes are not recommended for use by children under the age of six unless it is prescribed by a dentist. It is important to remember that fluoride is only safe in prescribed doses and can in fact be toxic at high doses; in order to ensure it does not pose a threat, over-the-counter products only contain safe doses of fluoride.