Research that’s been done is spotty at best, but for the most part, research has shown that large doses of topical fluoride MAY have a positive effect on decay. Of course, at those large doses, fluoride is toxic (as Dr. Mercola points out, even the toothpaste label says it’s toxic). Without too much preamble, here is Dr. Mercola’s video.
Full Answer
Is the fluoride treatment at the dentist really worth it?
New research indicates that topical fluoride -- from toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments -- are as important in fighting tooth decay as in strengthening developing teeth.
What are the negative side effects of fluoride?
This could be considered one of the most overlooked dangers of fluoride. Studies have shown that fluoride can adversely affect your blood glucose and insulin levels. Evidence shows that those with higher levels of fluoride in their body had higher glucose levels in the blood and also diminished levels of insulin.
Who needs fluoride treatments?
- Fluoride gel is effective in preventing caries in school-aged children.
- Patients whose caries risk is low, as defined in the document, may not receive additional benefit from professional topical fluoride application.
- There are considerable data on caries reduction for professionally applied topical fluoride gel treatments of four minutes or more. ...
Does fluoride help adult teeth?
Fluoride varnish helps keep teeth healthy. This treatment is widely used as a preventative measure against dental caries (tooth decay). It's highly encouraged that children routinely get it, but it can be used on adults as well. Although it has been proven to be very effective, it's natural you want to understand more before going ahead.
Are fluoride treatments safe?
Fluoride treatments are generally a completely safe procedure. The only time they're unsafe is if a patient has an allergic reaction to the fluoride, although this is extremely rare. Some people believe that fluoride, and fluoridated water, pose harm to the public.
Is it safe to use fluoride toothpaste?
Fluoride toothpaste is generally safe and recommended for both children and adults. But it's important to use it correctly, especially for babies and young children. If you're worried about the safety of fluoride, there are plenty of fluoride-free options available.
Why is fluoride harmful for children?
Fluoride is safe, but getting too much can cause dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis (fluh-ROE-siss) causes changes in how tooth enamel looks. Typically, it leads to white spots on the teeth. Most kids who get fluoride do not get dental fluorosis.
Are fluoride treatments for kids necessary?
It is essential for young children, protecting them from cavities as their enamel develops. This is the driving factor in fluoride being added to most public water supplies because studies have shown that children who grow up drinking water with fluoride have far fewer cavities than those who don't.
Is hydroxyapatite better than fluoride?
The biggest advantage of using toothpaste with hydroxyapatite is that it remineralizes your teeth without any side effects, unlike fluoride that is toxic in large quantities. There are two brands of hydroxyapatite toothpaste brands I recommend to readers.
How does fluoride affect the body?
Long-term exposure to levels higher than this can cause a condition called skeletal fluorosis, in which fluoride builds up in the bones. This can eventually result in joint stiffness and pain, and can also lead to weak bones or fractures in older adults.
What are the cons of fluoride?
The cons of fluoride Certain studies have shown that fluoride may contribute to weakening the bones and maybe even the joint's connective tissues. Fluoride also causes a condition known as fluorosis, which causes tooth discoloration.
Can fluoride cause dementia?
Higher mean fluoride levels in drinking water were associated with an increased risk of dementia in women (adjusted hazard ratio per s.d. increase 1.34, 95% CI 1.28–1.41, P < 0.001) and men (adjusted hazard ratio per s.d. increase 1.30, 95% CI 1.22–1.39, P < 0.001) in a stepwise pattern.
Why do parents refuse fluoride at the dentist?
Thus, fluoride refusal excludes reasons like a parent refusing because their young child does not like the taste (developmental) or the inability to pay for fluoride treatment when a parent would otherwise accept it (economic). Continuum of fluoride hesitancy behaviors.
Can fluoride treatments make you sick?
Fluoride Safety This can be dangerous to your health. Symptoms of fluoride toxicity may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased salivation or increased thirst. These symptoms generally begin 30 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 24 hours.
Is fluoride varnish toxic?
The accepted toxic level is 5 mg/kg of weight for a person which can lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hypotension, renal and respiratory complications, and coma in it's acute form 3. Lesser toxic levels can lead to more chronic side effects such as dental and skeletal fluorosis and gastric concerns 3.
Is fluoride varnish safe to swallow?
Fluoride varnish is safe. It is used on babies from the time they have their first tooth. Because the varnish is painted onto teeth and only a very small amount is used, almost no fluoride is swallowed. Question: How often should my child get Fluoride Varnish?
Why is fluoride good for teeth?
There are many benefits to undergoing a fluoride treatment. They include: Reducing cavities by eliminating bacteria that cause decay. It strengthens the enamel of developing teeth, making them better resistant to decay for their lifespan. It helps your teeth better absorb minerals like calcium and phosphate, which repair decrepit enamel ...
What to know when getting fluoride treatment?
When you get a fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office, remember that your dentist and hygienist are fully trained in the procedure. They know how much to use and the format best for your age and dental needs.
What are the benefits of fluoride?
There are many benefits to undergoing a fluoride treatment. They include: 1 Reducing cavities by eliminating bacteria that cause decay. 2 It strengthens the enamel of developing teeth, making them better resistant to decay for their lifespan. 3 It helps your teeth better absorb minerals like calcium and phosphate, which repair decrepit enamel and prevent future weakening. 4 It is affordable and can delay the need for pricier dental work. 5 It can prevent gum disease and premature tooth loss. 6 These treatments can also help maintain baby teeth.
Why do children need fluoride?
This is because it can prevent decay, infections, pain and future dental issues. It’s difficult to help our children care for their teeth like they need to when they’re young.
Is fluoride bad for you?
Some people believe that fluoride, and fluoridated water, pose harm to the public. This is an exaggeration. The most common risks people experience after fluoride treatment are tooth discoloration, although, like allergic reactions, this is extremely rare and does not occur under normal circumstances. When you get a fluoride treatment ...
Does a phosphate rinse help with tooth decay?
It helps your teeth better absorb minerals like calcium and phosphate, which repair decrepit enamel and prevent future weakening. It is affordable and can delay the need for pricier dental work. It can prevent gum disease and premature tooth loss. These treatments can also help maintain baby teeth.
Is fluoride painless?
It is a very simple way to reduce the risk of cavities and to improve the health of the teeth. Fluoride treatments are also completely painless unless you have tooth decay or cavities already. But this is something your dentist will check for beforehand and notify you about to prepare you. Our dentists may also prescribe fluoride supplements as ...
What is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a natural substance found in water, soil, rocks, and food items that helps in reducing cavities in children and as well as in adults. Fluoride helps in fighting calculus (plaque) and bacteria which causes enamel loss and further cavities.
Are Fluoride Treatments necessary?
As mentioned above the fluoride treatment depends on an individual patient and you must have an idea that are fluoride treatments safe or not. Things you need to consider are
Fluoride Treatment side effects
Fluoride side effects would be only when you take access amount of fluoride or fluoride treatment. You can use fluoride toothpaste or apply little fluoride on your teeth but for any major problem, first, visit any dentist.
What not to eat after Fluoride Treatment?
After a fluoride treatment has been done it is usually advised that the patient does not eat or drink for at least an hour time.
Fluoride Treatment at Home
The fluoride treatment at home depends on the age of the children. For children below 3 to 6 years fluoride treatment is usually not advocated because the minimum quantity of fluoride is already incorporated in the developing teeth.
Frank Colclough
I am Dr. Frank (Dentist) and recently completed my intern with Dr. Faheem Ahmad. I love writing and so I choose to share my dental experience with you all on Dentist Amity
Which countries do not fluoridate their water?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data reported by the Fluoride Action Network, the U.S., which provides fluoridated water to 74.6% of community water systems, 2 has higher rates of tooth decay than many countries that do not fluoridate their water, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden. 3.
When did the FDA change the classification of mercury in dental amalgam?
In 2009, the FDA issued a final rule on dental amalgams reclassifying mercury from a class I (least risk) device to class II (more risk) and designated a special controls guidance document for dental amalgam. 36.
What is silver filling?
The silver fillings in your mouth are dental amalgam. As noted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 34 dental amalgam has been used to fill cavities for more than 150 years in hundreds of millions of patients around the world.
What is the effect of anaerobic bacteria on the body?
Anaerobic bacteria thrive in your dentin tubes and the blood supply surrounding the dead teeth drains the toxicity, allowing it to spread throughout your body. This toxicity may lead to a number of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, irritable bowel disease and depression. Dr.
How many people have sensitive teeth?
Anatomy of a Tooth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 18 at least 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer from sensitive teeth. They describe the sensitivity as being caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin, or the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel. When the fluid reaches the nerve, it causes ...
Is dentistry and medicine separate?
Historically, dentistry and medicine were separated. It’s unfortunate how many fail to fully appreciate the influence oral health has on overall health. The delicate balance of bacteria in your mouth is as important to your health as your gut microbiome.
Is dentistry lacking in research?
In other words, much of the research in the field of dentistry is sadly lacking. While the recommendations may be appropriate, they may also not be, and many simply do not have adequate evidenced-based science to warrant their use.
Why is fluoride important for teeth?
Tooth enamel is the outer protective layer of each tooth. Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at high risk of developing dental caries, or cavities.
How to get fluoride?
You can get fluoride two ways: topically from toothpaste and treatments at the dentist. systemically in water and dietary supplements. According to the ADA, it’s best to get fluoride both topically and systemically. So, you still need to use fluoride toothpaste, even if your local water is boosted by added fluoride.
What is the purpose of fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents cavities. It restores minerals to tooth enamel and prevents harmful bacteria from building up in the mouth. Overdosing on fluoride can cause negative complications.
What are the risks of cavities?
The following can increase your risk of cavities: excessive drug or alcohol use. eating disorder. poor oral hygiene. lack of professional dental care. poor diet.
How much does insurance cover for fluoride?
Insurance usually covers fluoride treatments at the dentist for children. Adults, however, may pay $10 to $30 out of pocket, or more. Always ask your dentist about costs before treatment.
What happens if you break down enamel?
If the plaque breaks down the enamel layer, bacteria can infect and harm the nerves and blood at the core of the tooth. Read on to learn about fluoride treatment benefits, side effects, cost, and what to expect.
What is the best source of fluoride?
dry mouth, or decreased saliva. weak enamel. Common sources of dietary fluoride include: tea. water. food cooked in water. fish eaten with their bones. infant formula. Optimal fluoride intake comes from food, water, and supplements.
Dental Fluorosis is a Sign of Excessive Fluoride Intake
Dental fluorosis results in white and brown spots on your teeth. It is only caused by fluoride — typically due to ingesting too much fluoride during your developing years, from birth to about 8 years of age. According to the CDC, about one-third of U.S. children aged 12 to 15 years have very mild to mild forms of enamel fluorosis on their teeth.
The Ultimate Solution is to Get Fluoride Out of Tap Water
Even though the ADA and the CDC have issued warnings that parents not use fluoridated tap water to make infant formula, neither of them has openly informed the public!
How does fluoride affect teeth?
In children under 6 years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.
What are the benefits of fluoride treatment?
In addition, people with certain conditions may be at increased risk of tooth decay and would therefore benefit from additional fluoride treatment. They include people with: 1 Dry mouth conditions: Also called xerostomia, dry mouth caused by diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, certain medications (such as allergy medications, antihistamines, anti anxiety drugs, and high blood pressure drugs ), and head and neck radiation treatment makes someone more prone to tooth decay. The lack of saliva makes it harder for food particles to be washed away and acids to be neutralized. 2 Gum disease: Gum disease, also called periodontitis, can expose more of your tooth and tooth roots to bacteria increasing the chance of tooth decay. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontitis. 3 History of frequent cavities: If you have one cavity every year or every other year, you might benefit from additional fluoride. 4 Presence of crowns and/or bridges or braces: These treatments can put teeth at risk for decay at the point where the crown meets the underlying tooth structure or around the brackets of orthodontic appliances.
How much fluoride is removed from water?
Reverse osmosis systems remove between 65% and 95% of the fluoride. On the other hand, water softeners and charcoal/carbon filters generally do not remove fluoride. One exception: some activated carbon filters contain activated alumina that may remove over 80% of the fluoride.
What to do if you have concerns about fluoride?
Nonetheless, if you do have concerns or questions about the amount of fluoride you or your child may be receiving, talk to your child's dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor. A few useful reminders about fluoride include: Store fluoride supplements away from young children.
What is the cause of tooth decay?
The lack of saliva makes it harder for food particles to be washed away and acids to be neutralized. Gum disease: Gum disease, also called periodontitis, can expose more of your tooth and tooth roots to bacteria increasing the chance of tooth decay. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontitis.
How is fluoride lost?
Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth 's enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth 's enamel layer when acids -- formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth -- attack ...
What is the term for minerals that are lost from the enamel of teeth?
Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth 's enamel layer when acids -- formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth -- attack the enamel. Minerals such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate are redeposited (remineralization) to the enamel layer from the foods and waters consumed. Too much demineralization without enough ...
