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Fluoride
is a mineral that is essential to the prevention of decay in
teeth. It helps strengthen the tooth enamel to make it more
resistant to the acid that is produced by the bacteria in our
mouths.
There are
several common sources of fluoride that are easily available
in any part of the country.
The most
readily attainable source is something you consume and use
every day—water. The optimum level of fluoride in water is one
part fluoride per million parts water.
If you
would like to know if your water system contains fluoride, ask
your dentist, local health department or water treatment
department.
Water
fluoridation has been shown to be very effective against
cavities. In fact, nearly two thirds of cavities can be
prevented in children who drink fluoridated water from birth.
If you have your water tested and it is not fluoridated, a
physician or dentist can prescribe fluoride supplements in the
form of drops, tablets or mouth rinses.
Drops are
best for infants. Gradually work from drops into tablets as
the child gets older. In addition to water fluoridation, many
school systems offer a fluoride program to provide rinses to
the children at school.
During
routine dental visits, the child will receive a topical
application of fluoride gel, usually in soft foam mouthpiece
trays. If the child has a high rate of decay or the present
decay is extensive, the dentist may prescribe home rinses or
prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste.
Another
source of fluoride is in our daily diets. Dark green
vegetables contain fluoride and can help supplement our
attempt to be cavity-free.
Everyone
should use fluoride toothpaste for extra protection against
cavities. When purchasing toothpaste, read the label to make
sure it contains fluoride. There are still toothpastes out on
the market that don't contain fluoride.
Fluoride
alone will not prevent cavities, but it greatly decreases the
chance of them developing. Good tooth brushing, flossing,
eating healthy foods, and seeing your dentist and hygienist
regularly are all factors involved in preventing tooth decay.
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