Fluoride Background – Orthodontist Carlingford
Some health issues seem to be subject to continued debate. One of these is the matter of fluoride. It is added to many dental products, and often to drinking water because it is believed to have benefits for teeth. And these benefits seem sound. But there are concerns that it also has negative side effects/
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. There are small amounts of fluoride present in water and many foods. So we inevitably have some fluoride in our diet. It is also found in our bones and teeth, apparently making them stronger.
It was discovered several generations ago that there was less tooth decay in some populations than others. This was traced back to the drinking water. Those populations drinking water containing a lot of natural fluorides have better teeth. So in the late 1940s, some governments started adding fluoride to their town and city water supplies. Australia started this in the 1960s.
Fluoride Benefits – Orthodontist Carlingford
The benefits of fluoride are recognised by all research. Fluoride will harden tooth enamel so that it can better resist decay. The earlier in life this fluoride is consumed the better. Children who consume moderate amounts of fluoride will have stronger teeth, as the fluoride is incorporated into the teeth as they are formed. Adults will gain some benefit from fluoride, which helps harden the outer surface of the tooth.
Fluoride is beneficial when applied directly to the teeth. This can either be as fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash, or as fluoride in drinking water. The distinction here is that water is swallowed, whereas toothpaste and mouthwash are not consumed.
Too much fluoride can cause discoloured teeth, as well as short-term problems such as digestive issues. There is speculation that swallowing large amounts of fluoride will lead to cognitive issues such as poor memory and concentration. This is still speculation, and would only apply when very large amounts of fluoride are swallowed. Fluoride on teeth that are not swallowed would have negligible effect.
Children may be told to use fluoride-free toothpaste as they tend to swallow when cleaning their teeth. This is too much fluoride for them to handle. They can use fluoride toothpaste when they have learnt not to swallow.
Some alternatives to fluoride include:
Xylitol – This is a sweetener that starves bad bacteria if used instead of sugar. It helps give the mouth a neutral ph. Level, neither acidic nor alkaline.
Arginine – This combines with calcium to stop plaque from forming.
Baking Soda – This kills bacteria and removes some stains from teeth. But over time this might wear away the tooth enamel.
Charcoal – This has recently fallen out of favour; research indicates that it is abrasive and wears away the outer enamel of the teeth.
Using Fluoride – Orthodontist Carlingford
We recommend using toothpaste with fluoride. Use a pea-sized amount on the brush twice per day. Do not rinse after brushing, but let the toothpaste stay on the teeth for half an hour. As long as the toothpaste is not swallowed there should be no significant side effects.
Orthodontist Carlingford
Dental and orthodontic treatment means the best possible teeth for everybody. Talk to use about the smile you deserve to have.
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