{"id":1684,"date":"2020-03-03T18:16:06","date_gmt":"2020-03-03T18:16:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/oralhfa.com\/?p=1684"},"modified":"2020-03-03T18:55:49","modified_gmt":"2020-03-03T18:55:49","slug":"fluoride-in-dentistry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oralhfa.com\/index.php\/2020\/03\/03\/fluoride-in-dentistry\/","title":{"rendered":"Fluoride in Dentistry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fluoride in Dentistry<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

What is fluoride?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Fluoride is a mineral found in all, natural water sources. It is the ionic form of the element fluorine, that is found in the environment, and reaches water sources by leaching from soil and rocks into groundwater. [10]<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fluoride is a safe and effective mineral which prevents and controls dental caries, when used according to the guidelines of community water fluoridation programs. [2, 3] Dental caries is a localised destruction of enamel by the acids produced by the harmful bacteria colonising the oral cavity by the process of demineralisation. [1, 3]\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fluorides can be administered topically and systemically. [3, 10]\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Topical fluorides fortify teeth already present in the mouth by making them decay resistant. [1, 3, 4] It also reduces the growth of plaque bacteria and inhibit bacterial metabolism. [10] Topical fluoride can be delivered as an in-office fluoride varnishes and gels treatments, toothpastes, and mouth rinses. [10]<\/span><\/p>\n

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Systemic fluorides are ingested orally and strengthens developing tooth structures. [1, 10] Fluorides also gets incorporated in saliva when taken systemically. Saliva continually bathes the teeth offering topical protection from bacterial attacks. [10] Systemic fluorides can be delivered through community water fluoridation, and or dietary fluoride supplement in the form of drops, tablets or lozenges. [2]<\/span><\/p>\n

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How does fluoride work?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Fluoride concentrates in the developing teeth and bones of children, making the enamel of the teeth stronger before they emerge in the oral cavity. It also helps to harden the enamel of the already erupted teeth. It helps to remineralize the teeth to arrest tooth decay and makes teeth more resistant to tooth decay.<\/span><\/p>\n

Demineralization and remineralization process occur constantly in the mouth. When fluoride is present in the saliva it helps to make the enamel stronger and prevent dissolution of enamel during the next demineralization phase. [12]<\/span><\/p>\n

How does fluoride strengthen your teeth?\"\"<\/b><\/h3>\n

When the fluoride comes in contact with the teeth, it is absorbed into the enamel and helps to repair it by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorous. Fluoride binds with the calcium hydroxyapatite structure in enamel and forms a stronger calcium fluorapatite structure by the process of remineralization. [10] This remineralization process can reverse early decay and make the enamel more resistant to decay. [1]<\/span><\/p>\n

How much fluoride is in a toothpaste?<\/b> \"\"<\/span><\/h3>\n

The amount of fluoride a fluoride toothpaste contains should be mentioned on the toothpaste tube and appears after the label \u201cActive ingredient\u201d or as an element under \u201cIngredients\u201d. Most manufacturers give the fluoride content in \u2018parts per million fluoride\u2019 (ppm F). Very few use percent of volume (%w\/v) or weight (%w\/w).<\/span><\/p>\n

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The European Union (EU) Directives regulating cosmetic products banned the marketing of cosmetic products with over-the-counter levels of fluoride greater than 1,500 ppm F. The EU Directive 76\/768\/EEC has classified toothpastes as cosmetic products; therefore, most toothpastes contains 1,000 \u2013 1,500 ppm F.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fluoride toothpastes containing more than 1,500 ppm F, e.g. 2,800 ppm F, are available but can be obtained only with a prescription. They are required for therapeutic reasons, because higher the fluoride content, the more effective the toothpaste is at preventing tooth decay.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Some manufacturers market low fluoride toothpastes containing 600 ppm F. It may also be known as \u201cchildren\u2019s\u201d or \u201cpediatric\u201d toothpastes. This is because infants and children below the age of two swallow most of the toothpaste when brushing. Therefore, the use of toothpastes containing 1,000-1,500 ppm F in children could cause fluorosis of the permanent incisors. Enamel fluorosis is a condition causes by excessive fluoride intake and vary from white spots to yellow\/ brown discoloration of the enamel. Studies supporting the effectiveness of low fluoride toothpastes has not been established but many systematic reviews have shown that toothpastes with low fluoride concentration of 250 ppm F are less effective than toothpastes with standard 1,000 -1,500 ppm F at preventing caries. [5]<\/span><\/p>\n

What is fluorosis?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Fluoride ingestion during tooth development may result in fluorosis. Fluorosis of permanent teeth occurs when excessive fluoride is ingested for adequate period during which the enamel is being mineralized. [4] If the fluoride is ingested excessively between the ages 15 and 30 months, it may lead to fluorosis of the maxillary central incisors. [8] Erupted teeth cannot develop enamel fluorosis. [4]<\/span><\/p>\n

Fluorosis varies in appearance from minor white spots and striations to yellow\/ brown stained pitting of enamel. [8] Children below the age of two should use just a smear of toothpaste and children above the age of two and below the age of six should use pea size amount of toothpaste.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Excess fluoride ingestion and exposure can be minimised by using recommended amount of toothpaste and storing the toothpaste out of the reach of children. [4] Parents should supervise their child\u2019s use of fluoride toothpaste to avoid overuse and ingestion. [4]<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits and drawbacks of fluoride?<\/b><\/h4>\n