Fighting Cavities With Fluoride
Fluoride helps fight “acid attacks” like the sugars you eat or drink, and some make acids that cause cavities.
Who Can Benefit From Fluoride?
Infants and children whose teeth are still developing
When children eat food or drink beverages that contain fluoride, it is carried to teeth developing beneath the gums.
Children and adults whose teeth have erupted
Fluoride that comes in contact with tooth surfaces helps strengthen enamel and fight cavities.
Helping Kids get the Right Amount
Children who are waiting for permanent teeth to erupt need the right amount of fluoride. Too little can increase the risk of cavities, but too much can cause fluorosis—light spots or lines that develop on teeth still growing beneath the gums.
Here are some things you can do to help children get the right amount:
▪Watch how much toothpaste they use. Children younger than 3 years should use no more than a smear of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Anyone older should use a pea-sized amount;
▪Do not allow children younger than 6 years to use fluoridated mouthrinses, unless your dentist recommends one;
▪Spit out toothpaste and rinses. These products protect tooth surfaces. They have more fluoride than needed in the diet for cavity protection, and swallowing them regularly may increase the risk of fluorosis;
▪Use fluoride supplements as directed by your dentist.
Sources of Fluoride
The best sources of fluoride are fluoridated water, fluoride toothpastes and mouthrinses, and fluoride treatments from your dentist.
Toothpastes
Everyone should brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Remember to keep an eye on how much toothpaste is being used (see above).
Mouthrinses
Some mouthrinses contain fluoride. Ask your dentist whether you or your child would benefit from adding a fluoride mouthrinse to the daily oral care routine.
Fluoride treatments from your dentist
Your dentist may apply a fluoride gel or varnish to help protect against cavities. If the risk of cavities is high, your dentist may prescribe a mouthrinse or toothpaste with more fluoride than the ones you can buy over the counter.