Question 5 

 

I get fluoride from the water and from toothpaste. Do I need a fluoride treatment every time I go to the dentist, especially now that the media says people are getting too much?

Fluoride is a mineral found in nature. It makes the hard outer layer of the teeth, called enamel, stronger. When enamel is strong, teeth are less likely to get cavities.

Adding fluoride to the water is the most efficient way to provide fluoride protection to a large number of people at a low cost. That's why many towns and cities put fluoride in the water. Fluoride is also in toothpastes that most people use every day.

Fluoride treatments are another source of fluoride. They are useful for people who have a higher risk of cavities. For example, some children may be at high risk because they tend to eat a lot of sweets and they don't always brush their teeth very well. Adults can be at risk for cavities too, depending on:

- how well they brush and floss;

- if they have general health problems that might lead to cavities;

- if their gums are receding with age, leaving the roots of their teeth more exposed.

In short, fluoride is a useful tool in the fight against cavities but like most tools, it must be used with care. For instance, if children swallow too much fluoride when their adult (or permanent) teeth are forming, it can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis. The permanent teeth of people with fluorosis have mottled or discoloured enamel.

If you are still concerned about the amount of fluoride you or your family are getting, talk to your dentist.