Fluoridation of teeth

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust, water, food and in varying concentrations in the human body, especially in bones and teeth. In the context of dental hygiene, fluoride is widely used for its properties that help protect teeth from decay.

Preparation before application

The dental hygienist will first conduct an initial consultation to assess the patient’s overall oral health and determine if fluoridation is appropriate. It is also important to thoroughly clean the teeth of any plaque, food debris and calculus before applying fluoride. This will ensure that the fluoride can effectively penetrate the enamel.

Fluoride application by a dental hygienist

1. Fluoride is applied directly to the teeth in various forms, including gels, foams or varnishes. This application usually takes only a few minutes.
2. Immediately after application, it is recommended not to eat or drink for 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to be fully absorbed into the tooth enamel.

Effects of tooth fluoridation

• Enamel strengthening: Fluoride helps remineralize tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acids from bacterial plaque and sugars.
• Tooth decay prevention: Regular application of fluoride can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay.
• Preventing early tooth decay: Fluoride can help stop early stage tooth decay before it becomes more serious and requires drilling.

Who is fluoridation good for?

Fluoridation is usually recommended for people with overly sensitive teeth, gum recession problems (exposing tooth decay), or those who are generally more at risk and prone to tooth decay.
Although

fluoride

is safe in reasonable doses, excessive consumption (especially in children) can lead to fluorosis, a condition in which white or yellow-brown stains appear on the surface of the teeth. Therefore, it is important to follow the dental hygienist’s recommendations regarding fluoride application. Some patients may be advised to undergo fluoridation once every six months, while others may be advised to undergo fluoridation once a year.

Sources of fluoride

Systemic fluoridation

Systemic fluoridation is a method in which fluoride is taken into the body internally, usually through drinking water, food, salt or supplements.

1. Drinking water fluoridation: This involves adjusting the concentration of fluoride in the public water supply to the optimal level recommended for the prevention of tooth decay. (No longer practiced in the country since 1988)
2. Fluoridated salt and milk: In some countries where fluoridation of drinking water is not possible or practical, fluoride may be added to table salt or milk as an alternative way to increase fluoride intake in the population. The addition of fluoride to milk is not widely practiced in the country.
3. Mineral waters: Many mineral waters may contain some fluoride.
4. Fluoride tablets: Tablets containing fluoride in a form that, when ingested, is absorbed into the bloodstream and then transported to the tooth enamel, where it helps strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to decay.

Topical fluoridation

Topical or local fluoridation involves the direct application of fluoride to the teeth to prevent tooth decay. This approach allows fluoride to act directly on the surface of the teeth, strengthening tooth enamel and helping to protect against acids that cause tooth enamel decay.

1. Toothpastes: The most common and widely used method of topical fluoridation. They contain fluoride compounds (most commonly sodium fluoride, aminfluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate) that help remineralize tooth enamel and protect teeth from cavities.
2. Fluoride gels: These products are often used in dental offices. They are applied directly to the teeth and left on for a period of time for maximum absorption.
3. Mouthwashes: Available for home use, fluoride mouthwashes provide additional protection against tooth decay by coating the teeth with a protective layer of fluoride

.