Fluoride

The greatest breakthrough in preventive dentistry during the last fifty years has been the use of fluoride. Almost all water naturally contains some fluoride. About two-thirds of American cities add fluoride to the water supply for the prevention of tooth decay. In fact, fluoridation of public water systems can reduce cavities in baby teeth by 60 percent and those in permanent teeth by 35 percent.

We recommend in-office application of fluoride for all children every 6 months. Some of our patients are using prescription toothpaste with higher content of fluoride at home, and for some we make clear fluoride carriers, so they can wear them at home for 30 minutes-1hour per day. Carriers are made to fit your teeth and are comfortable.

The benefits of fluoride. There are many benefits in the use of fluoride for people of all ages. When children are young and their teeth are forming, fluoride joins with the enamel surface and makes it harder and more resistant to decay.

The benefits for the adults are just as great. Fluoride can repair an early cavity, even before it’s becoming visible in the mouth by rebuilding the enamel layer of teeth. Fluoride is also helpful in older adults, to help solve the problem of cavities in the tooth root or root sensitivity.

More information about fluoride can be found on ADA web page.
(http://www.ada.org/public/media/presskits/fluoridation/index.asp)