The Truth About Fluoride

Fluoride treatments are highly recommended in Mortenson Family Dental offices, not only for children but also for adults. Fluoride is very beneficial and it protects teeth in two ways, systemically and topically. Systemic fluorides (as in fluoridated water) are ingested into the body. When ingested at the time of permanent tooth development, the fluoride is then deposited throughout the entire tooth surface. Topical fluorides strengthen teeth already present in the mouth, in that the fluoride is incorporated into all surfaces of teeth making them more decay resistant.

The regular use of fluoride helps to protect the permanent teeth from decay and sensitivity allowing patients to keep their permanent teeth much longer. Over sixty years ago, Grand Rapids, MI became the world's first city to adjust the level of fluoride in it's water supply. Since that time, fluoridation has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. Fluoridation had played a protective role against dental decay throughout life, benefiting both children and adults.

People in the US are living longer and are retaining more of their natural teeth than ever before. American adults have an average of 23 decayed and filled tooth surfaces. Studies have shown that the availability of topical fluoride in an adults mouth during the initial formation of decay can not only stop the decay process, but also make the enamel surface more resistant to future acid attacks. Another protective benefit of fluoride for adults is the prevention of root decay, which is due to the aging society and their prevalence toward gum recession. In addition to gum recession, there is in increase in decreased salivary flow, due to medications or medical conditions. A decreased salivary flow can increase the likelihood of dental decay.

There are several indications that necessitate the need for adult topical fluoride. As adults we tend to drink more bottled drinks, such as bottled waters that do not contain the optimal level of fluoride. Individuals who drink bottled water as their primary source of water could be missing the decay preventive effects of optimally fluoridated water. In-office fluoride treatments are often overlooked, especially in patients are over the magical age of 18. Indications for adult fluoride include patient's taking medications that cause dry mouth, patient's with root exposure, patient's needing a restoration due to decay in the past year, and patient's with crowns and/or bridges. Is the patient wearing banded orthodontic brackets or bands? Is the patient undergoing cancer treatments or head and radiation therapy? Is patient experiencing tooth sensitivity? Does the patient have poor oral hygiene? All of these factors are could benefit from the use of topical fluoride.

In-office topical fluorides comes in the form of gels, foams and varnish. The concentration of professional topical fluorides are much higher than in toothpastes and they are applied for longer period of time. Some topical fluoride varnishes will continue to leach fluoride into the tooth surface for a month or more. Dental decay reduction can be obtained from application of gel fluorides of four minutes or more. Two or more apps of fluoride varnish per year prevents decay in moderate to high risk populations and moderate to high risk adult patients should receive fluoride between 2 -3 times as year for maximum benefit. Fluoride is not only needed in children but needed throughout a lifespan to prevent and control tooth decay.

Submitted By Dr. Kim Owen,

Mortenson Family Dental Hillview Office