A NATURAL SUPPLEMENT!!
Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water and foods. It is also produced synthetically for use in drinking water, tooth paste, mouthwashes and various chemical products.

What does Fluoride do to your teeth??

Fluoride supplements are recommended to prevent tooth decay. It is typically used as a liquid, pill or paste in the mouth. When you use a fluoride tooth paste, you are strengthening your tooth enamel, which helps to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride therapy repairs rather than preventing damage to the teeth, causing the mineral fluorapatite to be incorporated into the damaged tooth enamel. Fluorapatite is not a natural component of human teeth. These fluoride ions reduce the rate of tooth enamel demineralization and increase the rate of remineralization of teeth at early stages of cavity.

Fluoride does not prevent cavities but rather controls the rate at which they develop. The antimicrobial effect require concentrations of fluoride at least 10 ppm. The more constant the supply of fluoride the more beneficial it will be in cavity prevention… Most toothpaste contains between 1000 ppm and 1450 ppm. The frequent use of these toothpastes enhances remineralization of enamel and inhibits the demineralization of enamel and root surfaces.

Fluoride varnish                                                                                                                     Cavity Prevention          

Other benefits

Fluoridated tooth paste is also available in form of 0.454% stannous fluoride which appears to be effective in reducing tooth hypersensitivity. This might also reduce gingivitis, gingival bleeding, dental plaque. Some antihypersensitivity toothpaste with fluoride contain ingredients like strontium chloride or potassium nitrate which help to alleviate tooth sensitivity.

For children over the age of 6 years, using a fluoride toothpaste is a good idea.

Fluoride Varnish is a highly concentrated form of fluoride ,which is applied by the dentist on enamel, dentin or cementum in order to prevent decay. It can be used in younger patients if they are at high risk for cavities.

Topical Fluoride therapy can be done every 3,6 or 12 months depending on your oral health!!!

THINGS YOU NEED TO BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT!

No matter how much you like the flavour of your fluoride toothpaste, always spit it out. If it is swallowed by children whose teeth are still developing, they can develop a mild case of a condition called fluorosis… in which excessive fluoride interferes with development of tooth enamel. This causes white spots or streaks on teeth that can become darker with age.

Well, if you consume too much, your teeth will actually begin to discolour and decay. Fluoride is highly toxic, it may have its place in hardening the teeth when applied topically; but it should be kept out of the body whenever possible.