What's fluoride
Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds strong teeth and prevents cavities. It’s been an essential oral health treatment for decades. Fluoride supports healthy tooth and fights the bacteria that harm teeth and gum by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.
Fluoride can be found in foods and water.
In fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses.
A dentist can also apply fluoride to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish.
Fluoride supplements are also available as liquids and tablets
When to take fluoride
Fluoride works by restoring minerals to tooth surfaces where bacteria may have eroded the enamel. It can also inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria and further prevent cavities.
Fluoride cannot remove decay but, while creating a stronger outer surface to your teeth, it can help stop the decay from penetrating into the deeper parts of teeth.
Fluoride cannot remove decay but, while creating a stronger outer surface to your teeth, it can help stop the decay from penetrating into the deeper parts of teeth.
It is certainly important for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to be exposed to fluoride. This is the timeframe during which the primary and permanent teeth come in. However, adults benefit from fluoride, too.
People with certain conditions may be at increased risk of tooth decay and would therefore benefit from additional fluoride treatment. They include people with:
Dry mouth conditions (xerostomia)
Gum disease
History of frequent cavities
Presence of crowns and/or bridges or braces
