A fluoride treatment has been endorsed as a safe and effective method of preventing tooth decay by most major health and safety-related organizations. Fluoride is a mineral solution applied to teeth in order to strengthen them and help prevent cavities during your routine dental care. When fluoride enters the mouth it is deposited into the teeth and bones, strengthening teeth during a process called remineralization. Fluoride containing products include commercially available toothpaste and mouth rinse, as well as more concentrated liquids and gels used professionally by dentists. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste is an important component of good daily dental hygiene.

Fluoride treatment is not limited to any age group; all age groups can benefit from fluoride. There are three primary factors that contribute to dental caries (tooth decay): a susceptible site on a tooth, an infective strain of bacteria (Streptococcus mutants), and sugars or other nutrients that stimulate the bacteria's growth. As these bacteria grow, they produce an acidic byproduct that can dissolve the minerals in the enamel and eventually destroy the tooth. In children, fluoride fortifies and strengthens teeth while they are still forming. Children who receive adequate levels of fluoride during this time develop permanent teeth that are more resistant to decay the moment they appear in the mouth. Adults with root exposure or dry mouth are particularly susceptible to tooth decay, and can benefit from tooth-strengthening applications of fluoride.

Though the use of fluoride treatments and fluoridated water has brought drastic decline in tooth decay over the past several decades, risks are also associated with exposure to high levels of fluoride over prolonged periods of time. Dental fluorosis (which affects teeth that are still forming and have not yet erupted into the mouth) most often occurs in children who take fluoride supplements in addition to consuming adequate levels of fluoridated water. Still, tooth decay remains the most common infectious childhood disease and fluoride treatments remain an important tool in the fight against cavities. Fluoride is a component of the mineral fluorine that is naturally present in soil, water, air and certain foods (e.g., meat, fish, eggs, tea leaves).

As part of the children dental care, fluoride is especially helpful when their permanent teeth are still developing. Teeth can be fortified with fluoride while they are still forming and before they have erupted. This way, a child’s permanent teeth are more resistant to decay the moment they appear in the mouth. Regular dental examinations are essential to identify problems early, and have them fixed.

In the adult age group poor dental hygiene like failing to brush and floss the teeth daily can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, resulting in tooth decay. Taking Diet high in sugar/carbohydrates may leave sugar in the mouth, which acts as fuel for the bacteria that cause demineralization. Fluoride treatment for adults it does not discolor teeth or restoratives (e.g., fillings, crowns), although it may cause scratches in porcelain or composite resins. It also finds approval in the treatment of tooth sensitivity, although it is also commonly used to help prevent tooth decay.

Dental care for children, women and seniors in all age group, minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate help to correct demineralization by strengthening weakened areas of tooth enamel. Fluoride accumulates in teeth and bones, adhering to areas where demineralization has occurred and making the enamel harder than it was before. The rebuilding of tooth enamel is called remineralization.

Fluoride treatments are designed to provide an appropriate concentration of fluoride at a pH level that will help the correct amount of fluoride deposit on the teeth. If the fluoride level is too low the treatment will not be effective. More applications of fluoride than are normal may cause a condition called dental fluorosis. It commonly involves minor discoloration of tooth enamel, such as the appearance of white or opaque lines, streaks or spots. In severe cases, the discoloration may appear as brown, black or gray spots, and the enamel may become pitted or misshapen. Fluorosis is cosmetic and only affects the tooth’s surface. It is a permanent condition, and discoloration generally darkens as a person ages. Fluorosis may be treated by India dental clinics using cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening, bonding, crowns or veneers.

But chronic fluoride poisoning leads to deformities of bones and mottling of teeth. In case of too high or overdose of fluoride, there may appear symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea (stool may be black, tarry), weakness, faintness, nausea, vomiting (may include blood), drowsiness, etc. Medical attention should be sought immediately for the above symptoms. If fluoride overdose is suspected, drinking milk may slow the absorption of fluoride in the body.