2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Fluorine is a trace element that is closely related to the health of teeth and bones. It affects the dentin and tooth enamel and is believed that in properly defined doses, it is of great importance in preventing caries.
The largest source of fluoride is water, but one gets it from food supplements, toothpaste with fluoride, through food.
In some countries, it is added to milk, bread and other foods. Although so common, it should be noted that fluoride overdose can be dangerous to health, and controlling the amount of fluoride given to children, is of great importance. From this it should be concluded that fluoride is both useful and harmful - especially for the little ones.
There is much debate about the benefits of fluoride and whether its harms far outweigh its potential benefits. According to some experts, it has no specific benefits for teeth and bones, and according to others it is necessary, but should not be overdosed.
Benefits of fluoride
Intake of fluoride reaches the tooth enamel through saliva. He gets there by taking water, drops and tablets with fluoride or food. Fluoride can also get through the application of fluoride toothpastes.
The bones and tooth enamel are dominated by a mineral formed from calcium and phosphorus, which is called hydroxyapatite. With the participation of fluoride, this mineral is converted into another mineral - fluorapatite, which makes bones and teeth much stronger and serves as a barrier against bacteria.
This is the main role played by fluorine. In the absence of fluoride, fluoropatite is converted back to hydroxyapatite and therefore the enamel becomes weaker. Then the bacteria in the saliva and dental plaque slowly break it down and break down forms caries.
Fluoride overdose
Fluoride overdose it can happen in several ways. Firstly, by taking drops or tablets and secondly - increased intake of water. Overdose of food fluoride can occur very rarely. Prolonged overdose of fluoride is very dangerous because it can lead to the dangerous condition of fluorosis.
Fluorosis is a change in bone structure and bones become weaker and more fragile, a condition known as skeletal fluorosis. The other negative effect is tooth enamel fluorosis, which causes decay. It is important to know that teeth that are affected by fluoride are very difficult to treat.
Fluorosis is not only an aesthetic but also a serious health problem that should not be underestimated. In the mildest form of dental fluorosis, white and brown spots are observed on the crown of the teeth.
In more severe forms, the teeth can completely change their color, become very brittle and unstable, which leads to the rapid development of caries and destruction soon after drilling. Fluorosis is mainly a disease in children during dental development and is not treated. Kids up to 4 years of age are most at risk, but the risk remains until 8 years of age.
There are a number of claims that fluoride overdose can cause fertility problems and even cancer, but the World Health Organization rejects them. However, the WHO recognizes the harmful effects of its overdose on teeth and bones. For this reason, both children and adults should be careful with its intake.
Fluoride prophylaxis
Children's teeth are mineralized in 2 main stages - before and after their eruption. Before eruption, endogenous prophylaxis is performed, and 2 years after the eruption of each tooth, exogenous prophylaxis is performed.
Endogenous prophylaxis consists of internal intake of fluoride through food, tablets and water. It is applied in order to fully mineralize the enamel and ensure high resistance of the teeth. Endogenous prophylaxis is understood as the purposeful intake of fluoride through food supplements, fluoride-enriched water and others.
During pregnancy, targeted intake of fluorine carries a real risk of overdose. It is dangerous for the fetus, in which the mineralization of the deciduous teeth is not completed. The period from the birth of the baby to the age of 1 year is completely sufficient for the implementation of endogenous prophylaxis of the teeth.
Exogenous prophylaxis - is the application of fluoride directly on tooth enamel through gels, solutions and toothpastes. This prophylaxis is applied for local protection after the eruption of teeth.
Permissible daily doses of fluoride
Because harmful effects of fluoride overdose are very serious, it is important to know what the recommended daily dose is. For adults it is 2-4 mg per day of fluoride. For children up to 3 years of age 0.8 mg is permissible, for 3 to 6 years it is up to 1 mg, and for over 10 years the daily dose should not exceed 1.3 mg.
Fluorine sources
There are several the main sources of fluoride. In the first place, it can be obtained from food supplements, additionally enriched with fluoride. Drinking water is the next good source, and unfortunately it carries the greatest risk of unknowingly exceeding the daily maximum.
Toothpaste and mouthwash are other sources of fluoride. Here the rule is very important that for brushing teeth you need the amount as much as one pea. Younger children should brush their teeth under adult supervision because there is a risk of ingestion.
The amount of fluoride depends on the levels in the water used to prepare it. Even commercial teas sold in bottles and cans may contain little fluoride.
Fruit juice
However, fruit juice is also high in sugar, which can damage teeth.
Shrimp
Shrimp are also referred to as a food containing fluoride.
Coffee
The amount of fluoride that coffee contains will depend on the water used to make it.
Red wine
However, care must be taken with red wine. Not more than 1 glass per night is recommended.
Raisins
Raisins are also believed to be a source of fluoride. However, raisins are rich in sugar and can get stuck between the teeth. As such, they can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Sources of fluoride, albeit in small quantities, can be beer, carrots, red bean soup, boiled potatoes, oysters, potato soup and more.
Fluoride deficiency
Fluoride has the amazing ability to reduce tooth decay. It even helps to restore and remineralize teeth when caries is still at an early stage. All this makes fluoride one of the best ways to fight tooth decay.
When a person does not get enough fluoride, it can lead to enlargement of the dental cavities and even osteoporosis.
Learning how to recognize the three fluoride deficiency warning signs can help you identify a problem before it progresses.
The first sign of fluoride deficiency is usually an increase in the number of caries. This should be a red flag because the bacteria found in the plaque collect on the teeth. The plate uses sugars and carbohydrates to produce acids. These acids then wear out your enamel. If you have tooth decay, it does not necessarily mean that you are deficient in fluoride. Cavities have other causes, including high sugar consumption and poor oral hygiene.
Lack of fluoride can cause tooth enamel to weaken and tend to break down. The acids in the plaque remove the minerals in the hard, outer layer of your teeth. This type of erosion causes small holes or holes in the enamel, the first stage of caries. Once the enamel areas wear out, bacteria can reach the deeper layers of your teeth and cause larger cavities.
Remember that your body needs fluoride for healthy bones in addition to healthy teeth. If you suffer from a true fluoride deficiency, you have an increased risk of weak and brittle bones. Older people diagnosed as prone to bone fractures may have a major fluoride deficiency that contributes to their weaknesses and disorders.
One of the signs of fluoride deficiency may be the appearance of white spots on the teeth. If you have this problem, ask your dentist about it.
Easy ways to turn on fluoride
There are a few simple ways to help your body get fluoride if your levels are insufficient. Most steps can be taken at home, while other methods require a visit to your dentist.
Drink tap water
Fluoride has been safely added to public water systems for more than 70 years. In addition, community water fluoridation has been shown to be safe and effective with consistent scientific evidence and research. Most water systems in the community fluorinate drinking water supplies. According to the Centers for Disease Control, consumption of fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by 25% in children and adults.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Toothpaste is one of the main sources of fluoride. Always look for a toothpaste that contains at least 1250 ppm of fluoride. For a personalized toothpaste recommendation, ask your trusted dentist which toothpaste is the best option for your smile.
Use mouthwash with fluoride
Some brands of mouthwash contain fluoride, which helps remineralize soft spots and strengthen your tooth enamel. Not all mouthwashes are the same and not all mouthwashes contain fluoride. Always check the label to make sure you are buying the best mouthwash.
Include professional fluoride procedures
If you are worried that you are not getting enough fluoride, discuss professional fluoride treatment with your dentist.
