Fluoride
Fluoride is incorporated into tooth enamel to ignificantly decrease the rate of dental caries, or tooth decay. Fluoridation is a time proven, cost effective way to prevent cavities. Fluoride can be obtained in several ways.
Water Fluoridation
Fluoride is present naturally in all water sources. Community water flouridation, which has been in place for more than 50 years, is the process of adjusting the fluoride content of fluoride-deficient water to the recommended level for optimal dental health. The recommended level, according to the ADA and U.S. Public Health Service, is 0.7 to 1.2 parts of fluoride per million parts of water.
Many communities adjust the levels of fluoride in the drinking water. This fluoride, when ingested, will become incorporated into the developing tooth enamel in children. The resulting hardened enamel is more resistant to decay. In addition, the fluoride has a topical effect on the tooth enamel of erupted teeth.
Patients who drink bottle or filtered water should check with the vendors of these products. Many bottled water products do not contain adequate fluoride. Many water filters remove too much fluoride. The fluoride levels can be checked with a fluoride analysis kit. One such kit is Fluoricheck, sold by Omnii Oral Pharmaceuticals, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. Tel 1-800-445-3386. They can be found at www.omniproducts.com
Toothpaste
Many toothpastes contained fluoride. This fluoride has a topical effect upon erupted teeth. look for the ADA seal of approval for appropriate levels of fluoride in your toothpaste.
Professional Topical Fluoride>
A professional topical fluoride treatment is often administered in the dental office for children, as well as cavity-prone adults. This high strength fluoride is applied to the teeth using special foam trays.
Home Fluoride Treatment>
Self administered fluoride treatments are prescribed for patients with high caries susceptibility. These are either pastes or gels, and may be used in custom trays.