Why all the talk about fluoride?

Since the 1950's it has been well established that optimum levels of fluoride in dental enamel will greatly reduce the chance of dental decay. Fluoride works by inclusion in the crystalline structure of the minerals which make up tooth enamel. The fluoride atoms produce enamel which is less susceptible to acid attack. The two factors associated with decay resistance from fluoride are uptake in developing teeth and topical application in erupted teeth.

As teeth grow and develop within the gums of children, there is an opportunity to include some fluoride in the make up of the tooth. For this reason, fluoride has been added to the drinking water of most major cities in the US. It is important to note that the fluoride must be incorporated at a specific concentration, or the teeth will become discolored, misshapen, and weaker. The municipal water companies, therefore, are very precise in the amount of fluoride included in drinking water. More is definitely not better when it comes to ingesting fluoride, so please feel free to discuss your exposure to fluoride with a professional at West 10th Dental Group, especially if you are concerned about the need for supplemental fluoride.

The topical application of fluoride is now recognized as perhaps the most important aspect of decay prevention. Bathing a tooth in a fluoride solution will allow the fluoride ions to be taken up in the surface enamel structure and strengthen the tooth. The fluoride will not only prevent decay, but can actually repair early damage to enamel. Common sources for this topical fluoride are again, the municipal water supply, toothpaste, fluoride containing mouth wash, and professional application of high concentration solutions at you dentist.

At West 10th Dental Group, we cannot stress the huge impact fluoride has made in reducing dental decay in the United States. At your visits to West 10th Dental Group, we will assess your individual need for fluoride at each preventive visit!

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