Fluoride Use

Early Gum Disease Control

Fluorides are used to inhibit the bacteria in plaque which contribute to bleeding and tender gums. Fluoride does this by affecting the metabolism and quantity of bacteria. Most of the research in this area has used stannous fluoride which has demonstrated the ability to metabolically disrupt plaque bacteria.

Advanced Gum Disease Therapy

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that attack gum tissue and bone, which supports the teeth. Fluorides help sustain the treatment performed by your dentist.

Crown and Bridge Maintenance

Recurrent decay in teeth supporting a crown or bridge threatens the entire restoration. Fluoride will help protect these critical areas.

Gum Maintenance

Because periodontal disease can recur at any time, fluorides are used to help prevent reinfection.

Implant Maintenance

Bacterial plaque is the number one cause of implant failure. Fluoride aids in blocking plaque formation and helps protect your implants.

Orthodontic Maintenance

Fluorides help control two major problems associated with orthodontic treatment - gingivitis and decalcification.

Sensitivity

Almost 25% of all adults will experience tooth sensitivity at one time or another. Whether caused by receding gums and exposed root surfaces, or as a post operative effect of gum surgery or cleaning, sensitivity is often effectively treated with fluoride containing products.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Many prescription medications affect salivary flow as a side effect. When salivary flow is absent or minimal, carious destruction is rapid. Patients experiencing drug or radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth) should be treated with professionally applied fluorides, home fluorides and a strict programme of oral hygiene. Drugs producing dry mouth include antihistamines, diuretics, antihypertensives, anticholinergics, antidepressants, antipsychotics and decongestants.

Pre-carious Lesions

As mentioned, fluoride has been shown to be highly effective in reversing incipient (just beginning or very small) cavities.

Adjunctive Treatment

This is required for people with disabilities preventing normal brushing.

Recommendation

Personal oral disease prevention practices can reduce the risk of developing caries and periodontal disease. These measures include regular use of fluoride and some antiplaque and antigingivitis chemical agents, reduced amount and frequency of dietary intake of foods containing refined sugars or adherent carbohydrates, and regular brushing of teeth and flossing.

The incidence of caries has been reduced significantly by the fluoridation of community water supplies. Although 90% of the US population is served by community water supplies, only 65% of these communities have optimally fluoridated water. Virtually all toothpastes sold in the US contain fluoride, which has been shown to reduce the incidence of decay by about 20%-40%.

The adverse effects of water fluoridation appear to be minimal. Although an increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis has been observed, this trend has been attributed to inappropriate use of fluoride supplements by health professionals and parents. Inappropriate use of fluoride supplements and fluoride toothpastes is particularly common among infants and toddlers, who may swallow large amounts of fluoridated toothpaste. Most cases are mild and do not affect the appearance of teeth.

Nonfluoride chemicals contained in some mouthwashes and gels may also be effective as antiplaque and antigingivitis agents. Regular use of an antiseptic mouthwash has been associated with a 28%-34% reduction in plaque and gingivitis at 6 month follow-ups. Chlorhexidine rinses, when combined with brushing the teeth have been reported to achieve 50%-55% reduction in plaque and a 45% reduction in gingivitis. However, the product can also stain teeth, increase calculus deposition, and produce an unpleasant taste. It requires a prescription from your dentist.

Technique of Brushing

1. Clean the outside of all upper teeth with short gentle vibratory back-and-forth strokes, paying special attention to the areas where teeth and gums meet.
2. Clean the inside surface of all upper teeth with the same short gentle vibratory back-and-forth strokes.
3. Repeat on the outside and inside surfaces of all upper and lower teeth.
4. Cleaning the inner surfaces of both the upper and lower teeth is made easier by tilting the brush.
5. Brush the biting surface of both upper and lower teeth with short gentle vibratory back-and-forth strokes.

Technique of Flossing

1. Pull out 45 cm of floss from the pack.
2. Hold the floss in one hand and wind the free end to the middle finger.
3. Guide and place floss using your thumbs between upper teeth and under gumline.
4. Remove harmful plaque by curving floss around each tooth and use an up and down motion. Clean each tooth in this manner separately and thoroughly.
5. Repeat the same procedure with lower teeth by using the index fingers to guide the floss.
6. As the cleaning procedure goes on, wind the used floss on the middle finger with the free end and take fresh floss from the other end.