What Is Fluoride? Should Toothpaste Contain Fluoride?

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is an essential element for the human body. Because of its tendency to bind with calcium, it plays an important role in the skeletal system as well as in the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth. Today, fluoride is considered one of the most effective materials for preventing tooth decay. For this reason, both individual and professional fluoride applications are extremely important.

Should Toothpaste Contain Fluoride?

Brushing teeth daily helps create a fluoride reservoir, which is highly beneficial. Research shows that using fluoride-containing toothpaste significantly reduces the risk of cavities.

For children, the amount and concentration of fluoride are crucial:

1. From tooth eruption to age 2: A rice-grain amount of toothpaste with 1000 ppm fluoride
2. Ages 2–6: A pea-sized amount, concentration adjusted according to cavity risk
3. Age 6 and above: A full-length smear on the toothbrush with 1450 ppm fluoride

You can easily find the fluoride concentration on the toothpaste packaging.

Is Fluoride Application Harmful?

There is a common belief that fluoride is harmful. However, fluoride is safe and beneficial when used in proper doses. Excessive intake is not recommended, but products used by dentists are safe when applied correctly and following guidelines.

How Does Fluoride Benefit Our Teeth?

Fluoride prevents demineralization (mineral loss) and increases remineralization (mineral formation). This creates a more acid-resistant enamel surface and prevents plaque formation. It also reduces acid production by plaque bacteria, thereby helping prevent cavities.

Since enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, fluoride is crucial for its proper mineralization and long-term strength.

What Is Fluoride Gel? How Is It Applied?

Fluoride gel is a cavity-preventive agent applied to the enamel. It is placed into specially designed trays for children and kept on the teeth for 4 minutes. The excess gel is removed by the dentist, and the remaining amount is expelled by spitting.

After the procedure:

1. The mouth should not be rinsed
2. No food should be eaten for 1 hour

It is a quick, painless procedure. For children under age 5, fluoride varnish is preferred due to the risk of swallowing the gel.

What Is Fluoride Varnish? How Is It Applied?

Fluoride varnish is applied directly onto clean teeth using a small brush. It dries immediately upon contact with saliva, so there is no need for rinsing—making it ideal for children under age 5.

Application frequency: 2–4 times per year, depending on cavity risk.

After varnish application:

1. No food for 1 hour
2. Do not brush teeth the same day (resume the next day)
3. Avoid milk and dairy products for 24 hours

For Appointments

To schedule an appointment regarding any oral and dental health concerns, contact Milim Dental.