We all know that fluoride is one of the essential ingredients in toothpaste but what is it, why do we need it and what else do you need to know?

How do I prevent tooth decay?

Firstly, and most importantly, brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay.

What is fluoride and how can it help good oral health?

Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral that can be found in low levels in lots of food and drink and in more elevated levels in fish and tea. It can strengthen the tooth enamel through a process called “remineralisation” as well as making teeth more resistant to the effects of acid attack caused by bacteria. It has also been shown that children who have small levels of fluoride when their teeth are developing have shallower grooves in their teeth so plaque can be removed more easily.

What level of fluoride should toothpaste have for adults and children?

So what about toothpaste? There is a vast selection of toothpastes that contain different levels of fluoride – those containing 1350-1500 parts per million (ppm) fluoride are the most effective and you can check the side of the tube for this information. We recommend that children under 3 just use a smear of 1000ppm toothpaste while a pea-sized amount of the same is enough for 3-6’s.

Do I need extra fluoride treatments or fluoride varnish?

Your dentist may sometimes recommend additional fluoride treatments such high fluoride toothpaste if you or your child are at particular risk of tooth decay. Similarly, a concentrated fluoride varnish may be applied to both baby teeth and adult teeth and fluoride mouthwash may be recommended for children (8+) or adults with tooth decay. Your dentist will explain these treatments fully to you and, as part of the Childsmile service, both lower fluoride toothpaste and fluoride varnish are provided free of charge for 2-6 year olds.

Where can I find our more about fluoride and oral health in Renfrewshire?

If you have any queries about fluoride or any other areas of dental health visit us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice, call 01505 704969 or click www.kilbarchandental.co.uk where you’ll find lots more free tips and advice.