By Dr. Wendy Fung
Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound derived from the element fluorine. Fluoride prevents and reverses early dental decay by making teeth stronger and more resistant to the bacterial acid that causes cavities. The mineral actually becomes a part of tooth structure, forming a different, “harder” compound. Fluoride can also help inhibit bacterial acid production, further reducing the rate of decay. Fluoride can even repair, or remineralize, areas in which acid attacks have already begun!
Fluoride can be obtained topically or systemically. Systemic fluorides include water fluoridation or dietary fluoride supplements in the form of tablets, drops or lozenges. This helps teeth that are still forming and also makes fluoride available in saliva, which is beneficial since teeth are constantly bathed in saliva. Topical fluorides are those that are applied to teeth that are already in the mouth and include toothpastes and professionally applied therapies.
Fluoridation of community water is the adjustment of naturally occurring fluoride to the optimal level of 0.7 parts per million, as recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service. Fluoridating water is similar to fortifying milk with Vitamin D or table salt with iodine. Fluoridation is a public health program that actually saves money; an individual can have a lifetime of fluoridated water for less than the cost of one dental filling.> In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention names water fluoridation as one of ten great public health achievements of the 20th century, because it has reduced tooth decay by 20-40% in the last few decades. Studies done since water fluoridation began over 60 years ago have shown it to be safe, and over 70% of the U.S. population served by public water systems receive the benefit of optimally fluoridated water.
Professionally applied fluoride therapies are the foams, rinses, and varnishes we recommend in our office. These fluorides are more concentrated than any over-the-counter product, so they are not needed as frequently. We do, however, recommend them at cleaning visits to give teeth a boost of cavity protection. We know the service is not always covered by insurance, nor is it the most pleasant taste…but isn’t your oral health worth it?