Its well known that minerals help to strengthen our teeth and bones. Calcium is one of the prime essential mineral to make our bones and teeth stronger. However, one more mineral called fluoride; helps in making our teeth stronger. It is a mineral that is present in many foods and water. Mostly Fluoridation is consumed through toothpaste, water, oil, mouthwash etc.
Our teeth undergoes two process on a daily basis:
- Demineralisation: When Minerals lost from outer surface of the teeth.
- Remineralisation: When Minerals like calcium, fluorides, phosphate redeposited on the outer surface of teeth.
If the demineralization takes place more than remineralization it leads to tooth decay. Fluoride plays an important role in tooth mineralization in both adults and children. Fluorides consumed from foods, water and other dietary supplements helps to make the enamel of tooth harder before they erupt into the oral cavity. After they erupt into the oral cavity, fluoride helps in remineralization thus making it resistant to tooth decay.
Fluoride in Toothpaste is beneficial to Teeth:
- It helps rebuild (remineralise) weakened tooth enamel.
- Fluoride slows down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel.
- It reverses early signs of tooth decay.
- Fluoride prevents the growth of harmful oral bacteria.
Myths & Facts regarding fluoridated toothpaste.
- Myth: Fluoridation of water causes fluorosis.
- Fact: There is a specified concentration of fluorides in drinking water. Above which it will lead to fluorosis. The concentration ranges from 0.7 to 1.2ppm. Studies states that fluoride in water helps to prevent tooth decay by 25% in children and adults.
- Myth: It is harmful in children.
- Fact: Fluoride is not directly considered harmful. Upto 20mg/day of elemental fluorides taken by mouth appear to be safe. Higher dose are unsafe as it may weaken bones and ligaments. Increased dose in children during their permanent tooth eruption causes discoloration of enamel .
- Myth: Fluoridation of water is expensive.
- Fact: Fluoridation of water is not expensive. It is cheaper than treating tooth decay.
- Myth: Fluoridation of water doesn’t prevent tooth decay.
- Fact: Fluoride plays an important role in tooth remineralisation in both adults and children. The tooth becomes resistant to tooth decay.
- Myth: Risk of autism increases due to fluorides use.
- Fact: There are no studies to prove this.
- Myth: fluoride in water is not necessary because of fluoridated toothpaste.
- Fact: Fluoride in water and toothpaste together provide maximum protection against tooth decay.
Conclusion to Myths & Facts About Fluoride Toothpaste
Neglect towards dental care leading to poor oral hygiene are considered main reasons for tooth decay. Fluoride serves as a preventive measure against tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral used in dental products to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It’s also added to the water supplies in many Indian cities.
While the amount added to drinking water is considered to be relatively safe, exposure to high levels of fluoride may be linked to several other health issues. You can also opt for fluoride-free dental products, especially if you have young children.
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Minerals help to strengthen our teeth and bones. Calcium is one of the prime essential mineral to make our bones and teeth stronger.one more mineral called fluoride.