What is the Role of Fluoride Treatment in Dental Care?

You may have heard your child’s dentist recommend a fluoride treatment after a dental cleaning.

Or maybe you hear about the importance of using fluoride toothpaste – even for adults.

You might have also heard about the controversy surrounding dental fluoride, how some people don’t want it in our drinking water and refuse to use any fluoride products because it’s unsafe.

What’s the truth? Is it really unsafe? If so, why does your Gardena general dentist recommend it?

What Is Fluoride and Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in nearly all sources of water, including fresh and salt waters. It’s even found in some foods. It is one of the most abundant elements on earth’s crust (ranked at #13). The areas of land with the highest concentrations of this mineral are those with high geothermal or volcanic activity. In its gaseous form, it can be found in granite or limestone. In crystal form, it is seen as layers or veins in rocks.

Fluoride can also be synthesized by scientists. This type of fluoride is most common in fluoride treatments, as well as dental fluoride in toothpastes. The reason for this is that naturally occurring fluoride is volatile, whereas the synthesized product is more easily controlled.

This mineral bonds really well to substances liquid or gelatinous substances, like water and toothpaste, which makes it an ideal additive. Additionally, fluoride is a substance that can remineralize the teeth.

Why Is Fluoride Good for Teeth?

Fluoride has been called “nature’s cavity fighter.”

The foods we eat – and the reaction between them and our oral bacteria – can cause demineralization. When our teeth lose minerals, they become weaker and more susceptible to sensitivity, decay, cracks, chipping, and fractures.

Fluoride helps remineralize the teeth.

Back in the 1930s, researchers found that children who grew up drinking water that was naturally fluoridated had less occurrences of dental decay than children without fluoridated water.

Since then, studies have repeatedly shown that when fluoride is added to community drinking water or people have regular fluoride treatments, they experience fewer cases of dental decay.

Various organizations around the world have endorsed the addition of fluoride in community water supplies because of this. These organizations include:

• The World Health Organization
• The American Medical Association
• The American Dental Association

Is Fluoride Treatment Really Safe?

Many people are concerned about the safety of fluoride, especially in high levels. But that can be said about nearly every substance humans consume, including water.

Some people are worried that adding fluoride to the drinking water can result in toxicity. Especially concerning is the idea that excess fluoride could cause developmental disabilities in children. Thankfully, a study published in 2020 found that current evidence doesn’t support the idea that fluoride is a development neurotoxicant.

What happens to people exposed to high levels of fluoride?

• Dental fluorosis (High concentrations of fluoride during childhood can result in the development of white specks or streaks in the enamel. While the discoloration is noticeable, the condition does not adversely affect the health of the teeth.)
• Skeletal fluorosis (Excess exposure can lead to this bone disease, which can cause joint pain, arthritis, bone weakness, and fractures.)
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Neurological problems (including ADHD)
• Acne
• Arterial calcification
• High blood pressure
• Heart damage
• Low fertility
• Fluoride poisoning

Mount Sinai Hospital points out that the amount of fluoride found in toothpaste is typically not swallowed in amounts large enough to cause these issues. Similarly, the amount administered during a fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office is just enough to strengthen the teeth, not to cause health damage.

Safe Fluoride Practices for Children

The most vulnerable among us are our children. Therefore, we want to make sure they get the right amount of fluoride. Proper amounts can help reduce the risk of childhood dental decay by at least 25%.

How can you make sure your child doesn’t get too much fluoride?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Under three years of age: Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste to gently brush their teeth twice a day
• Over three years of age: Use no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste

Make sure your child spits out as much of the toothpaste as possible. It’s a natural instinct to want to swallow, so monitor your child and help them develop the habit of spitting it out instead.

Avoid fluoride rinses as these are easier to swallow, unless recommended by your Gardena general dentist.

Is There More Than One Type of Dental Fluoride Common in Preventative Dental Care?

At least twice a year, we recommend that children get a fluoride treatment after their professional dental cleaning. It’s one of the most important parts of our preventative dental care program for kids.

It’s important to note, though, that kids aren’t the only ones who can benefit from dental fluoride. Adults can too! If they have multiple dental restorations (fillings, crowns), exposed root surfaces, are at high risk for dental decay, or have demineralization, they should receive regular fluoride treatments as well. Receiving a treatment after every dental cleaning (every six months for healthy patients; every three to four months for patients with a history of periodontal disease) is a good practice.

What type of topical fluoride treatments are available from your general dentist in Gardena?

• Foam or gel fluoride: The product is placed into dental trays, which are then placed into the mouth. The teeth sit in the trays for about a minute or so, depending on the manufacturer’s directions. A small suction device is also placed in the mouth to help with saliva flow. Once the time is up, the tray is removed, and you spit the remaining product into the suction device. You should not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes after this treatment.
• Fluoride varnish: The varnish is sticky, almost the consistency of honey. The teeth are gently dried off, either with air or cotton gauze (if the patient is experiencing sensitivity). Then, the fluoride varnish is applied to the tooth surfaces with an applicator brush. After 30-60 minutes (again, based on manufacturer’s instructions), the patient can gently brush the sticky residue off their teeth. Until that time, they should avoid rinsing, eating, or drinking.

Your Gardena General Dentist Always Has Your Best Interests at Heart

One thing you can be sure of is that your Gardena dental team always wants the best for you. That’s why we are committed to continuing our education and training. We’re always on the lookout for the highest-quality products and the latest dental techniques. We would never do anything that would put you or your family’s health in jeopardy.

If you have any questions about dental fluoride or any of the other products we use, let us know. We’re happy to address all your concerns.

Are you ready to get the smile of your dreams? Contact our team to schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss preventative, restorative, and cosmetic options that fit your unique needs.