Tooth decay is widespread in our industrialized world, due to a nutritional
regimen that is quite high in sugary food and drink. Fluoride is commonly added
to toothpastes due to its ability to fight decay caused by eating too much
sugar. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and limits
the amount of acid produced by bacteria that is commonly found in the
mouth.

When teeth are developing, fluoride that is ingested aids in tooth
formation, making our teeth stronger. Ingested fluoride can also appear in
saliva, which helps to guard teeth, as well. Topical application of fluoride can
provide protection to teeth that are already developed. Topical application of
fluoride can come from fluoride that is added to toothpastes, or mouth rinses.
Flouride can also be ingested via the public water supply or from various
drinks.

Fluoride toothpastes are widely available for use in the home and
are extremely effective for preventing decay when utilized correctly. A scant
quantity of toothpaste should be applied to a soft to medium bristled toothbrush
with a medium sized head. The bristles needs to get in to every hard to reach
region of the mouth. A large head will hinder this from happening. Stiff
bristles blemish tooth enamel. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice per day
will displace plaque and food debris. Additionally, the teeth become bolstered
and shielded by fluoride, lessening the chance of tooth decay.

Fluoride
rinses are not the same as other mouthwashes. Mouthwashes are made to freshen
the breath by fighting bacteria, while fluoride mouth rinses contain high levels
of fluoride to generate excellent protection against tooth decay. A fluoride
mouth rinse should be used in addition to fluoride toothpaste. Also, a mouth
rinse alone is not adequate to protect teeth and prevent decay.

For

further assurance, a dentist may paint fluoride varnish on to the teeth. This
varnish is stuck to the teeth for a few hours, helping to further reduce the
possibility of tooth decay, treat hypersensitivity, and strengthen
teeth.

Fluoride has such a clear impact on oral health that it is added
to the water supply in many modern countries, including the United States. Water
fluoridation can address inequalities by enabling everyone to get some fluoride
to protect their teeth from decay. Recent studies have proven that water
fluoridation can decrease the incidence of tooth decay by 20-40
percent.

Children who live in regions where water is not fluoridated may
be issued fluoride supplements to harden their developing teeth. These
supplements should only be taken if prescribed by a registered health
professional as the recommended dose is deliberately determined to bar
disproportionate levels of fluoride from being taken.

Excessive levels of
fluoride during tooth formation causes dental fluorosis. The risk is highest up
to the age of four and all but disappears after the age of eight. The result of
dental fluorosis can be disagreeable brown stains on the teeth. In addition, the
enamel becomes hard to clean. Many factors influence whether high levels of
fluoride will impact the appearance of the teeth, including the amount of
fluoride ingested, the person's bodywight, and the individual physiology of the
teeth.

Mild staining caused by dental fluorosis is treated by a dentist
with bleaching or micro-abrasion. Acute staining may require porcelain
veners.

Unwanted side-effects from fluoride are quite rare. So while too
much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, the risk is minimal and is
outweighed by the many benefits of fluoride, which has been proven to guard
against tooth decay.