Fluoride: benefits and considerations

Fluorine is an important ally in our fight against caries and in favor of dental hygiene. A lot of dental hygiene products include this component because of its great benefits.

Possibly, since you went to the dentist as a child you listened to the importance of fluoride to your teeth. However, just as it is beneficial it can also become harmful, if not used properly. Learn more about fluoride in this post.

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What is fluoride?

Fluorine, also known as fluoride, is a mineral that helps strengthen the enamel and protect teeth from cavities.

In addition to toothpaste and mouthwash, you can find small amounts of fluoride in foods like wheat, rice, blue fish and spinach. Similarly, some communities have decided to fluorine water to help care for the health of teeth.

Now, not everyone needs the same amount of fluoride for their teeth. This may vary according to age. So you should choose a toothpaste according to the age of each personFluorine is very important throughout our lives, especially in adulthood.

How Fluorine Works in the Teeth

The tooth fluoride makes the tooth enamel stronger and more resistant against the acids of the bacterial plaque. The tooth fluoride is combined with the tooth minerals to offer this protection.

The bacterial plaque produces an acid that breaks down the minerals of the tooth enamel, this process is called demineralisation. Demineralization has a process. In its initial phase, it weakens the enamel and makes us prone to small cavities. In its most advanced phase it can cause further deterioration as a cavity in the teeth, and even, it can cause the fall of the teeth. When it is in this advanced phase, you should choose to add dental fluoride to the enamel.

There are two ways in which fluoride protects the enamel from our teeth: in a way systemic and in a way topical.

Systemic

Systemic fluoride is that ingested and it is absorbed by our digestive system so that it is then distributed throughout the bloodstream. When distributed through the bloodstream, it reaches saliva and consequence to the teeth. Thus, the teeth are strengthened against the cavities.

There are different ways to ingest systemic fluoride. by drops or pills This is advised for children, whose teeth are still in formation, as it helps young children grow up with stronger teeth and can help them grow up with stronger teeth. caries resistantThis can even help your teeth, even if they haven't left yet.

Systemic fluoride may also be ingested through certain foods, beverages, fluoride water or fluoride supplements. However, it is advisable to look for a dentist’s recommendation to know the amount of fluoride that is right for us.

In fact, in some countries the levels of fluoride in public waters are adjusted to help communities with the health of their teeth. However, systemic fluoride is more recommended for children, whose teeth are still in development.

Topic

The topical fluoride is the one that placed directly into the teeth The topical fluoride is present in the toothpaste and the Fluorine mouthwashes. The topical use of fluoride in low concentrations is a very good ally to remineralize the enamel of the teeth and strengthen them. Hence the importance of brushing the teeth at least twice a day to avoid the production of cavities.

You may also have a demineralization of the enamel by genetic predisposition or other reasons. In such cases, it is advisable to use fluorine mouthwashes.

Fluorine can also be applied in larger quantities by gel or varnish. This is not done frequently and should only be applied by a dentist. This gel and varnish is usually used only in children with many caries risks.

What are the properties of fluoride for dental health?

Fluorine contains several properties that are beneficial to the health of our teeth. The following properties are the most important:

Anti-caries properties

Fluorine has properties antiseptic and antibacterial that destroy the organisms that are lodged in the gums and teeth; and that, moreover, produce cavities and other oral conditions, such as lactobacilos and streptococos mutans. Therefore, research carried out by important institutions at the international level recommend applying the fluoride daily. Hence the importance of having good oral hygiene.

Properties that protect enamel

As mentioned above, one of the most important properties of fluoride is that which strengthens the enamel of the teeth, and does so for a longer period of time. Fluoride contains fluorapatite, which is more resistant to bone decalcification of bones and teeth.

Pros and cons of fluoride use

Here are the pros and cons of fluoride:

Benefits of fluoride

• It favors remineralization. It provides minerals such as calcium and phosphate that strengthen the enamel of the teeth. This helps protect them from plaque acids.
• Repair cavities in their initial stage. If a cavity is at its earliest stage, remineralization repairs it and prevents a cavity from forming in the tooth.
• It works against the bacteria that make up the cavities. Inhibiting their metalism and adhering to enamel.

Fluorine disadvantages

• Can be harmful to teeth. An excess of fluoride can be harmful to our teeth. It can produce dental fluorosis, causing them to discolour and enamel to be mottled. Fluorosis only affects aesthetically, and has no harmful effect.
• It should not be used excessively in children. Children are most likely to suffer from excess fluoride, as their enamel absorbs it more quickly. Therefore, children should use specialized products for their teeth, especially when it comes to mouthwashes.

For that reason, it is advisable to use the recommended fluoride doses. Usually, dental creams include an acceptable dose.

Are you planning on using fluoride for your teeth?

The above considerations make it very clear that care must be taken with the use of fluoride, despite all the benefits it has. For that reason, go to a reliable dental clinic such as ODONTOFAMILY, where professional dentists can advise you on this.