Recently there has been quite a buzz about fluoride - is it good for me, is it bad for me, how much do I need to stay healthy, and so on. A lot of toothpastes advertise fluoride as a main ingredient; and of course, we cannot forget drinking water! So how much really is too much when it comes to fluoride? Dr. Blourchian answers these important questions!
1. Is fluoride good for my teeth, or bad for my teeth?
Fluoride, in the amount found in drinking water (1 part per million), is very good for the teeth.
2. When I was younger, my dentist told me to use fluoride, do I still need to use it as a teen? As an adult?
Everybody would benefit from fluoride use, especially teens that drink a lot of soda and may neglect proper oral hygiene. Also people with a lot of fillings or caps would benefit.
3. How much fluoride should I be using each day?
No additional amount of fluoride is necessary if you drink tap water and do not replace it with bottled water. However, people who stop using tap water completely do not have access to fluoride. For them, daily use of fluoride is mandatory.
4. Many toothpastes say that fluoride is an ingredient, is this enough or do I still need a rinse in addition to brushing and flossing?
Again, if you do not drink tap water, you need a fluoride supplement.
5. Are there any at-home remedies (such as baking soda and peroxide) that I can use instead of fluoride?
No. Fluoride is unique because it incorporates the crystalline structure of enamel and hardens it. Nothing else will do the trick.
6. I’ve heard that fluoride can actually stain teeth or leave behind spots. Is this true? How can I avoid staining my teeth but still keep them healthy? If my teeth become stained or spotted, how can I fix this?
The amount of fluoride in drinking water is safe. If one drinks well water while growing up, and that well water has excess amounts of natural fluoride, a condition called fluorosis develops that causes the teeth to darken. Veneers are usually the best way to fix that problem.
7. Should I drink water with fluoride or without? How much fluoride should there be in the water I drink? How can I tell if there is enough fluoride in my water?
You should drink water with fluoride. Tap water in most cities and towns are adequately fluoridated (one part per million). You can check with your local water department to find out whether or not your tap water is fluoridated.
8. Do you recommend fluoride for all your patients? Should certain people avoid using fluoride?
I recommend fluoride for anybody and everybody. Every person using fluoride benefits.
9. Is it best to use over-the-counter fluoride or to have a prescription? If I use over-the-counter fluoride, what brand do you recommend?
I recommend prescription fluoride, because I don't know how other ones measure. An important thing to remember is that you should NOT swallow the fluoride supplement. If you have any more questions, contact New Image Dentistry.
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