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Fluoride and Dentistry

Written by Brian Dean MS, RD, 2010-18-01
Last update: 2010-18-01

Dentists agree: fluoride is one of the most important aspects of oral hygiene. So much so that fluoride has been hailed as one of the primary reasons for significantly reduced rates of tooth decay in the industrialized world. In fact, the Center For Disease Control recently hailed the mass fluoridation of water as: “”one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century” –right up there with vaccinations and the reduction of infectious disease.

How Fluoride Works

Scientists now understand that fluoride works on a number of levels to help create stronger and more resilient teeth –slashing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.

1. Remineralizes: Every time you eat a carbohydrate-rich meal, the bacteria living in your mouth have a nice little feast. Unfortunately, the byproduct of the meal you’ve just given the bacteria is acid. This acid degrades tooth enamel, the mineral-rich layer that protects your tooth from harm.

Fluoride comes to the rescue by helping your teeth bounce back from this acidic assault –a process called remineralization. In fact, a study done by American journal of dentistry found that fluoride was unparalleled in its ability to speed up remineralization.

2. Bullet Proof Teeth: Believe it or not, but your tooth enamel is the hardest part of the body. Even so, it’s no match for exposure to acid over time. Fluoride makes tooth enamel harder and more resistant to acid.

3. Stops Acid: It’s now thought that fluoride can actually stop acid before it starts. Research shows that fluoride actually stops bacteria from digesting acid-forming carbohydrates in the first place.

Too Much of a Good Thing

However, when it comes to fluoride, more is not necessarily better. Excessive fluoride intake can result in a condition called fluorosis. Fluorosis actually degrades teeth –making them more vulnerable to decay. Fortunately, this condition is quite rare and can generally be avoided by preventing children from swallowing toothpaste.

Here’s how to get just the right amount of fluoride, and maximize its benefits:

  • Brush With Fluoridated Toothpaste 2x Per Day: There’s no way around it, your teeth need regular exposure to fluoride in order to benefit. That’s why it’s highly recommended to brush soon after meals or at regular intervals throughout the day.
  • Floss: You probably already know that flossing is a mainstay of oral hygiene –removing plaque in hard to reach places. However, floss with added fluoride gives the vulnerable areas of your mouth, like your back row of teeth and between tight spaces, a bit of extra help.
  • Tap Water: Many of fluoride’s benefits come from taking in small amounts of fluoride internally, such as the water from the kitchen sink. You don’t need to chug gallons of water to do the trick: a glass or two per day will give your body the fluoride it needs.
  • Mouthwash: If you’re at high risk of developing cavities, it may be wise to rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash.
  • Professional Varnish: A powerful way of getting enough fluoride is to visit your dentist on a regular basis. He or she may apply a highly concentration fluoride varnish to your teeth. Studies show that a fluoride varnish is a relatively simple and easy way to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

When combined with the cornerstones of oral hygiene, fluoride can go a long way towards protecting your teeth.