An article was published in the
Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) in August 2006 with updated standards for the recommendations of the
use of fluoride applications. They state fluoride is not just
for children anymore!
Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance
that is present in almost all sources of drinking water. It is
necessary for the proper development of teeth and bones and it protects
teeth once they have erupted into the mouth.
Topical fluoride,
applied directly to the enamel surface, helps provide additional
protection against decay after the teeth have come into your mouth.
Fluoride enhances the replacement of minerals lost from your enamel
surfaces, re-hardening the tooth. If decay is
present but still in the enamel layer of the tooth, fluoride can help
stop its growth before you require a filling. This is important news for all ages!
Our office uses an application called fluoride
varnish. Most people are
familiar with the foam trays. The fluoride varnish is a updated
form
of fluoride, which has been shown to work much better than the foam
applications. The fluoride varnish contains high concentrations
of the fluoride ion in a resin carrier for slow absorption directly
into
the enamel of the tooth. The varnish forms a sticky layer on the
tooth following application and hardens on contact with saliva.
When it remains on the teeth for four to six hours, most studies
have shown it will help to reduce the formation of decay
by about 25% to 45%.
Children and Fluoride Concerns:
There are some concerns regarding the correct amount of
fluoride that
children should have in their diet. Too little might lead to
tooth decay, while, to much could lead to enamel fluorosis.
Fluorisis is the discoloration that will be seen in the adult
teeth, which are growing beneath the gums. However, once all of the
permanent teeth have erupted into your mouth, enamal flurosis can no
longer develop. If parents or caregivers
are worried about this, they can have their water tested to determine
the amount of fluoride is in the water. They might need to give
their children fluoride supplements.
While we highly recommend brushing and flossing your
children's teeth, it is not recommended to use fluoride based
toothpastes or dental products with them, until after the age
of two. This is an important precaution. Many children like the
taste of toothpaste
and mouthwash and they might want to eat or drink it. We would
like you to teach your children that these
products should not be swallowed, but spit out. Mouthwash might
have an alcohol base, and children should not swallow it. Very
large amounts of fluroide, in very small bodies, could be potentially
poisonous. It it best to keep both the toothpaste and mouthwash
out of the reach of children, just to be safe.
We have more information available in the office
about your children's dental care if you have questions or
would like more information.
Determining The Use of Fluoride Treatments:
We recommend brushing and flossing everyday, using an American Dental Association approved toothpaste, however, some adults are
at a higher risk of tooth decay. Fluoride treatments might be of benefit to them.
There are three
levels of risk factors for dental caries or cavities.
- Low Level Risks:
No cavities during the last three years.
No factors that may increase the risk for cavities.
- Moderate Level Risks:
Children younger than six years
who had no cavities in the last three years but have at least
one caries
risk factor.
People older than six years of
age who have had one or two cavities in the last three years
and have at
least one caries risk factor.
- High Level Risks:
Children younger than six years
who have had a cavity in the last three years,
The presence of multiple caries risk factors,
Have a low socioeconomic status,
Have a low levels of fluoride in their drinking water or diet,
Have xerostomia, also known as dry mouth.
Patients older than six years who
have had three or more cavities in the last three years,
The presence of
multiple caries risk factors.
Other considerations for risk factors include, but are not limited to:
Presence of high amounts of decay-producing bacteria,
Poor oral
hygiene,
Prolonged nursing after an infant is asleep or baby bottle syndrome,
Family dental health, genetic abnormalities or
environmental enamel defects,
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy,
Eating
disorders, drug or alcohol abuse,
Diet high in simple carbohydrates, sugar, soda pop and/or juice,
Active orthodontic
treatment,
Exposed root surfaces,
Physical or mental disability
unable or lacking help for performing good oral health care.
To help decide if you might benefit from fluoride treatment consider these questions:
1.) Are you taking any medications that cause your mouth to become dry? Do you have a disease that causes dry mouth?
Many common medications,
especialy blood pressure medications, decrease saliva flow and
increase the risk for dental
decay because saliva helps neutralize the acids in the mouth and
washes away food particles that
fuel the decay-causing bacteria. Saliva also contains many minerals
including fluoride that help keep teeth decay-free.
2.) Have your gums receded so more of your teeth show, or have you been told you have periodontal disease?
As the gums recede more of the
teeth are exposed. The root surface is much softer than the
chewing surface of teeth.
This makes
the teeth more susceptible to cavities along the
gumline.
3.) Have you needed a filling in the past year?
Decay is started by one specific
strain of bacteria: streptococcus mutans. If you have had
tooth decay in
the past year you are at risk for more because you are in all
probability a
carrier of the bacteria and have the conditions
necessary for the formation of cavities.
4.) Do you have crowned teeth and or bridges?
Crowned teeth are not immune to
cavities. The edge where the crown meets the natural tooth
structure can provide a hiding place for decay-causing bacteria.
5.) Are you wearing braces or a fixed retainer?
Braces or a fixed retainer can
make it difficult to reach all areas of the teeth when brushing
and provide
niches were food and plaque can hide leading to cavities.
If you have answered "yes" to any of
the above questions, you are in a higher risk group and
may need a professional fluoride
treatment to help prevent tooth decay. This simple
preventative treatment is easy to provide to you at
any of your dental appointments, and could be of great benefit to your
oral health.
Insurance plans will generally benefit in-office fluoride
treatments for children 15 years of age, sometimes to 18 years of age. The coverage
varies based on the specific insurance policy. If you are unsure of your policy benefits, contact
your insurance company for verification.
Fluoride helps build strong teeth starting at a young age,
but it is a lasting effect throughout life. Appropriate intakes of
fluoride can help people protect their teeth from decay and disease,
when used with regular dental care and good oral hygiene.
We will gladly answer any questions you might have. We have also included some website links on our Links page.
