FLUORIDE : CAVITY FIGHTER

INTRODUCTION

Fluoride is a naturally occuring material and is found on soil, rocks and water  , but doesn't exist on its own. It is a chemical ion of fluorine and also one of the top 20 most common elements in the earth's crust. 
When fluorine ,a negatively charged ion ,meets a positively charged ion like  sodium , cavity fighters are born. It helps to prevent cavities in children and adults by making enamel more resistant to the acid that cause tooth decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay is visible. 

HOW DOES FLUORIDE FIGHT CAVITIES ?

Tooth Enamel , the outermost covering of the teeth is mainly composed of calcium and phosphate. When we intake food, the cavity causing bacteria starts feasting on the carbohydrates in these foods. The acid is released which attack the enamel. This leads to the stripping of the calcium and phosphate from the tooth enamel which makes us more vulnerable to tooth decay. Once the fluoride comes in contact with the teeth, it teams up with the calcium and phosphate forming FLUOROAPETITE , which is the most powerful defence system to prevent teeth from cavities. Fluoroapetite is able to withstand a more acidic environment.

FLUORIDE HAS ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES ..

The study on using fluoride to prevent cavities keeps on getting better and better. The  dental plaque  inhibits the metabolism , growth ,multiplication  and adhesion of the bacteria. The fluoride content in plaque ranges from 15-64 ppm. The bacteria are responsible for the acidification of plaque that results in demineralisation. Fluoride acts to reduce the acid tolerance of the bacteria. In the acidic condition of cariogenic plaque, fluoride at level as low as 0.1mM can cause complete arrest of glycolysis by intact cells of Streptococcus mutans. The antibacterial action of fluoride appear themselves to be complex but to be dominated by weak-acid  effects.

HOW TO GET FLUORIDE?

TAP WATER WITH FLUORIDE :
This is the most common form of fluoride administration. The optimal level of fluoride in water for protection against dental caries is approx.1ppm. Water fluoridation continues to help the reduction of dental caries up to 50 to 70 %. Almost 75% of the US population is served by fluoridated community water systems. 

SALT FLUORIDATION:
Salt fluoridation is an alternative method of preventing dental caries on a mass scale. The level of the fluoride can be kept at 200,250 and 350mg of fluoride per kg salt.

MILK FLUORIDATION :
Milk fluoridation is the addition of a measured quantity of fluoride to bottled or packaged milk to be drunk by children. Virtually all forms of milk products are suitable for fluoridation and the process is relatively simple.

FLUORIDE TABLETS :
The tablets may be prescribed to individual patients or may be part of a school or home based public health preventive dentistry program. They are prescribed by the dentist or pediatrician and are not available over the counter.

TOPICAL FLUORIDES :
Self applied topical fluorides are available such as dentrifices, gels and rinses. These are intended for daily use and contain generally comparable amounts of fluoride. Your dentist can apply directly to your teeth during your dental visit with a gel,foam or rinse.

CERTAINLY LETHAL DOSE : 32 - 64 mg fluoride /kg body wt.
SAFELY TOLERATED DOSE : 8-16 mg fluoride/ kg body wt.

CONCLUSION

When used appropriately, fluoride is a safe and effective agent that is used to prevent and control dental caries. Fluoride is needed throughout life to protect teeth against tooth decay. Talk to your dentist /pediatrician about your child's specific fluoride needs. 

                                 DR. ANJUSHA SHARDA