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Frequently Asked Questions
Fluoride | Date Posted: 1/1/2002
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Common questions about fluoride
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WHAT IS FLUORIDE?
Fluoride is the ion that comes from the naturally occurring element, fluorine. Fluorine is never encountered in its free state in nature because it combines with other elements as fluoride compounds in the earth. Water dissolves these compounds, creating fluoride ions that are present in all water sources, including the oceans.
HOW DOES FLUORIDE STOP TOOTH DECAY?
Fluoride reduces the number of cavities an individual will develop in their life by about half. This is because it makes the enamel of the tooth more resistant to the acid attacks of plaque bacteria. Resistance occurs initially when the fluoride is incorporated into the teeth during their formation and secondly, as fluoridated water washes over the surface of the erupted teeth.
ARE SOME PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO FLUORIDE?
There has never been a case of an allergy to fluoride. If a person was allergic to fluoride they could not drink present water supplies because all water contains some fluoride. Similarly, because of its natural abundance in nature, fluoride is contained in virtually all food and drinks. People allergic to fluoride would also be allergic to tea, coffee, mineral water and seawater.
ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO WATER FLUORIDATION?
There are no other cost-effective preventive schemes that benefit the total community like water fluoridation. Health conscious parents and individuals outside fluoridated areas can use personal fluoride supplements such as tablets and drops. But they do not work as well as fluoride in drinking water, are more expensive, require continuous motivation and compliance, and only reach a small part of the population. There is also the danger of accidental overdose with any tablets or drops.
HOW MUCH FLUORIDE IS IN FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE?
Children's toothpaste contains between 400 and 500ppm (parts per million). One part per million is the equivalent of one milligram per litre. Adult's toothpaste contains between 1000 and 1100ppm. Toothpaste should not be used on children under the age of two years. Over two years of age only a 'pea-sized' smear of toothpaste should be used, as young children have not developed an adequate spit-out mechanism.
WHAT IS FLUOROSIS?
Dental fluorosis is seen as small white flecks in the surface enamel of teeth. In minor cases it is usually not visible to patients but in more advanced cases it appears as large white patches or occasional pits in the tooth surface. After some years, stains may penetrate the white patches and they can appear brown.
Receiving excess doses of fluoride during the formation of teeth causes fluorosis. This can occur by eating or swallowing excessive amounts of toothpaste or exceeding the dose when taking fluoride tablets. It can also occur where there is excess fluoride in natural water supplies or a combination of all three. In extreme or severe cases of fluorosis the teeth are unsightly and may need treatment to improve their appearance.
Water fluoridation alone does not cause fluorosis but it can happen in combination with other sources of fluoride.
See http://www.ada.org.au/OralHealth/flnfront.aspx for more detailed information on fluoride and water fluoridation.
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More questions in this category:
Are there alternatives to water fluoridation?
What is fluorosis?
Does My Water Filter Remove Fluoride?
Common questions about fluoride
How much fluoride should I give my child?
Who should use fluoride toothpaste?
Where can I find more information on fluoridation?
Common questions about water fluoridation
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