Why is fluoride so important?
Just like kids need vitamins to make their body strong, fluoride is like a vitamin for the teeth. It keeps teeth strong and helps prevent decay. It is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Tap water usually has fluoride, and if you want to know how much, Dr. Gonzo can help out with that. Fluoride is always a part of the tooth tickling process in our office. What are sealants? Sealants are usually applied after the big teeth have grown in or erupted. Just like a tarp on a pool is used to keep out bugs and debris, sealants coat the chewing surface of the molars to keep the sugar bugs away. Please remember that children still need to brush and floss even if sealants are applied. Why does Dr. Gonzo use tooth-colored fillings? The material used in these fillings bonds or attaches better to the teeth. It also includes fluoride which helps prevent further decay. More of the natural tooth structure is kept. They also have a more natural appearance.
Fluoride has been shown to dramatically decrease a person’s chances of getting cavities by making teeth stronger. Fluoride in the drinking water is the best and easiest way to get it. Most major cities have fluoride in the drinking water system. In communities where the water district does not fluoridate the water, fluoride supplements should be given to your child until their twelve year molars are fully erupted (approximately age 12 years). Your pediatric dentist or pediatrician can help determine if your child needs fluoride supplements or not.
Fluoride is an element that occurs naturally which can help prevent tooth decay. It can be applied topically or ingested systemically (in tablet or drop form). Fluoride aids in the remilitarization of tooth surfaces, a process which can reverse the beginnings of decay and strengthen the tooth’s surface making it more resistant to decay.
In a major review of fluoridation facts, the American Dental Association credited fluoride with being the major factor for the dramatic reduction in dental caries over the past two decades. Since the first two-city experiment in 1945, the practice of fluoridating drinking water has been expanding steadily. The use of fluorides in other ways has also been rising rapidly. Virtually all toothpaste used in the U.S. contains fluoride. Fluoride mouthwashes and tablets are used in schools and homes and topical fluorides are applied in dental offices. Around the world, dental caries reduction is also being seen with the use of fluoride-containing toothpaste alone. In some underdeveloped countries, fluoridation of the water supply may not be realistic. What causes dental caries? Poor dental care, eating patterns and food choices can be important factors in tooth decay. Everything eaten passes through the mouth where it can be used by the bacteria in plaque.
