How do we get fluoride ?

Fluoride is obtained in two forms.

• Systemic Fluoride: These are obtained through ingestion of water and foods containing fluorides. They become incorporated into forming tooth structures. Unlike the topical fluorides, systemic fluorides are ingested throughout the entire surface and provide longer lasting protection than those applied topically. Systemically ingested fluoride can also provide topical protection because, as part of ingested fluoride is present in saliva, which continually bathes the teeth, thus providing a reservoir of fluoride that can be incorporated into tooth surface to prevent decay, also becomes incorporated into dental plaque and facilities remineralisation.

• Topical Fluoride: Topical fluorides strengthen teeth already present in the mouth. Fluoride given topically gets incorporated into the surface of teeth making them more decay resistant. Topically applied fluoride provides local protection to the tooth surface. This is available through tooth pastes, mouth rinses and professionally applied fluoride gels.

Does fluoride really offer protection against tooth decay ?

Yes, indeed fluoride offers, proven protection against tooth decay, through three specific mechanisms:

• Reduces solubility of enamel in acid, converting hydroxyapatite into less soluble fluoroapatite.
• Exerts a direct influence on dental plaque by reducing the ability of plaque organisms to produce acid.
• Promotes remineralisation or repair of tooth enamel in areas that have been demineralised by acids.

How important is remineralisation produced by fluoride ?

The remineralisation effect of fluoride is of prime importance. The fluoride ion in and at the enamel surface results in fortified enamel that can repair the early decay.

Fluoride ions essential for remineralisation are provided by fluoridation of water, as well as various fluoride containing tooth pastes.

What is "Water fluoridation" ?

Water fluoridation is adjustment of natural fluoride concentration of fluoride deficient water to the level recommended for optimal dental health, which is about (0.7 to 1.2 ppm). If fluoride level is less than 0.7ppm then it is considered as suboptimal level.

How beneficial and effective is "Water fluoridation" ?

Optimally fluoridated water gives all the benefit like that naturally available fluoride in water. Studies have shown that artificially fluoridated water and naturally fluoridated water have produced similar decay reducing effect.

Does fluoridation of water benefit adults ?

Fluoridation plays a protective role against dental decay throughout life, benefiting both children and adults. In fact, inadequate exposure to fluoride places children and adults in the high risk category of dental decay. In adults fluoride has both a systemic and topical effect and is beneficial in two ways. First is through remineralisation process in enamel. This can prevent enlargement of decay and can reverse the process. Secondly fluoride present in saliva provides a reservoir of fluoride ions, that can be incorporated into the tooth surface to prevent decay. Similarly fluoride also is incorporated into exposed root surface structure, following gumline recession, making it decay resistant.