The issue of fluoride in our water and in our dental clinics is often a source of controversy. The very useful and protective element has been given a bit of a bad name over the years, so here we're going to clear some things up.
Fluoride is a natural element that has been safely proven to strengthen teeth and prevent decay, which is why we recommend a fluoride treatment as an important part of your check up and clean visit at North Brisbane Dental Clinic. Of course, if you'd rather not have any fluoride applied to your teeth or in products used in our clinic, we will absolutely respect that decision.
How does fluoride strengthen teeth?
The way fluoride works to stop tooth decay is by incorporating into the enamel, which makes the teeth tougher and more resistant to acids. Decay occurs when too many minerals are drawn out of the teeth due to the acids produced from plaque bacteria, and a cavity forms. Fluoride effectively ‘remineralises’ your enamel to stop these cavities from forming. Brushing twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste and having twice yearly fluoride treatments at the dentist both assist in keeping your pearly whites strong and cavity free!
Isn’t there fluoride in our water?
In most cases, yes! However it is only a very small amount (around 1 part per million). Ingesting fluoridated water is largely beneficial for children, as it will incorporate into their teeth as they are actually forming in the jaw, strengthening them for when they erupt into the mouth. From the age of 6 and into adulthood, stronger topical products such as daily toothpaste and in-office gel application are shown to give the most benefit and impact on prevention of decay. This is why we recommend a 6 monthly fluoride treatment at the end of your appointment, when your teeth are clean and free from plaque, allowing the fluoride gel to reach all the tooth surfaces more effectively.
Fluoride is a safe, easy and effective product to incorporate into your dental routine to help keep your teeth strong and healthy for life!