Understanding fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral which is present in things like water, food or natural matter like soil. Toothpaste is the most common product for us to find fluoride in, specifically formulated to combat tooth decay and maintain the health of our teeth.
Types of Fluorides in toothpaste
Fluoride comes in a range of formulas, and each is used to cater to different dental needs. These include:
Stannous Fluoride
This type of fluoride is found in products by name brands like Sensodyne, Corsodyl and Oral-B.
Sodium Fluoride
Sodium fluoride is used in higher concentrations and can be found in prescription toothpaste like Colgate Duraphat 5000ppm. It’s designed to contain a higher volume of fluoride to help treat those more prone to tooth decay.
Sodium Monofluophosphate
Sodium monofluophosphate is similar to sodium fluoride, it is found in products with higher concentrations of fluoride. It’s particularly useful as it can penetrate deep into the enamel.
The pros of fluoride
Fluoride offers many benefits when used in moderation. Its most common association is its ability to keep teeth strong and clean. Fluoride can help significantly reduce the bacteria in the mouth which prevents the acids from eating into the tooth enamel.
The fluoride is able to remineralise the teeth to bring strength to them. Our teeth naturally demineralise on their own as they’re exposed to foods and drinks. Fluoride products help to introduce minerals to the enamel which are naturally lost. Helping to shield the teeth whilst preventing a loss of minerals from the enamel.
In strengthening the enamel, the teeth become impervious to the acids which cause decay. Whilst remineralisation is also able to reverse very early stages of decay (demineralisation).
The cons of fluoride
Overexposure to fluoride can have multiple negative health impacts including dental fluorosis. This is something that only impacts children as their teeth develop, with the aesthetic of the enamel typically being impacted. Some of the visual traits of dental fluorosis:
- White imperfections on the enamel.
- Brown patches on the tooth.
- Pitting, ridges on the tooth enamel.
In severe cases of overexposure to fluoride skeletal fluorosis may develop. This is typically seen in patients with chronic exposure to the mineral through consumption of food or drink with dangerous concentrated amounts of fluoride. Exposure through inhalation can also be linked to skeletal fluorosis. Skeletal fluorosis is a disease which can cause the calcification of ligaments or lead to the bones deforming.
To book an appointment with our hygienist, simply contact us and we’d be happy to arrange your appointment!