
admin
Dec 11, 2023
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in soil, water, plants, rocks, and even the air. It is also present in the calcium-containing tissues of our body, such as bones and teeth.
The mineral has the ability to protect our teeth from damage by strengthening the enamel and fighting against bacteria. Thus, dentists in Hope Island generally recommend fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash for preventing cavities.
Keeping the benefits of fluoride in mind, the Queensland Government has taken charge of community water fluoridation to provide optimal levels of the mineral in tap water.
Normal fluoride level does not interfere with the taste or smell of drinking water and is ideal for people of all ages. Let us help you understand fluoride and its uses, benefits and side effects in detail to make it a part of your daily routine. The information will help you make the right choices for maintaining optimum dental health and preventing decay.
Fluoride is a compound of fluorine and a trace mineral. Since it is present in most natural substances and food, it gets absorbed by our bodies. It can strengthen bones and teeth in children and adults, making it a highly utilised ingredient in dental health products.
It is also present in drinking water to prevent cavities. The amount of fluoride in tap water is restricted and ranges between 0.6 and 0.8 parts per million (ppm) as per the Water Fluoridation Regulation 2020.
Foods that contain fluoride include tea, coffee, raisins, rice, shrimp, potatoes, oatmeal, cottage cheese, grapefruit, corn, etc. Fluoride is also present in toothpaste, mouthwash, gels and varnish used by dentists.
It is also an ingredient in some medicines and supplements. The gut absorbs the fluoride consumed through food and water, and the remaining mineral is stored in teeth and bones. Any amount that remains unabsorbed is expelled out of the body through urine.
Tooth enamel is the outermost layer that protects it from damage. This layer can get eroded through rigorous brushing or loss of minerals due to the high level of bacteria in the mouth.
The accumulation of bacteria leads to plaque and the creation of acids that damage the enamel and cause cavities. To reverse the decaying process, reputed dentist Hope Island suggest a fluoride treatment for remineralising the enamel.
Fluoride prevents demineralising and reduces the growth of bacteria in the mouth. The fluoride treatment involves the application of a gel or varnish over the teeth to start the remineralisation. They also prescribe fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash and drink fluoridated water.
The naturally occurring mineral is also used for medical imaging scans like PET scans. It is used as a cleaning agent for glass surfaces by horticulturists in the form of ammonium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride. The mineral is used in pesticides to get rid of termites, rats and bed bugs.
The use of fluoridated water in Queensland can help in reducing tooth decay in the population, which is necessary because more than half of the children aged between 5 and 14 years suffer from dental issues. It is also beneficial for adults because the mineral fights against acid damage.
Fluoride prevents cavities and the build-up of plaque. Dentists in Hope Island emphasise its potency to reduce swelling and bleeding of gums in people suffering from gingivitis. It is also beneficial in increasing bone mineral density and is prescribed to osteoporosis patients.
Fluoride can benefit all those who are vulnerable to cavities or use braces and partial dentures. t is even recommended for people who have a dry mouth. Thus, it is safe and effective when consumed at prescribed levels to maintain oral health.
Overdose of fluoride can be harmful. Some of the side effects of high consumption of the mineral include fluorosis, which is recognised by visible spots on teeth.
These can be white or dark brown and are commonly found in children whose teeth are still developing and are below six to eight years old. It usually happens when kids swallow fluoride-based toothpaste in large amounts.
It does not cause serious trouble, but the spots can affect your child's smile. Thus, Hope Island dentists suggest using only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush children's teeth and avoid enamel loss.
Also, parents must supervise them to ensure they cover all the surfaces and spit out the toothpaste afterwards. It is better to avoid fluoride-based toothpaste that comes with a fruity flavour, as children may want to swallow them.
Excessive fluoride intake can also lead to skeletal fluorosis that affects the bones, leads to joint pain and, in severe cases, can change the bone structure. Thus, consuming supplements and medicines in the amount prescribed by the physician is vital.
Fluoride can benefit your bones and teeth, whether you are a child or an adult. Dentists use the fluoride treatment to keep teeth protected from cavities and reduce the growth of bacteria. However, it should not be consumed in large doses as it can affect teeth and bones.