Fluoridation is one of the methods of caries prevention. The beneficial effect of fluoride on the enamel of already erupted teeth results mainly from its direct contact with the tooth surface, therefore the most commonly used is now contact fluoridation, or exogenous fluoridation. Is fluoridation, which is currently very controversial, he althy or harmful? What are the side effects of fluoridation? What does tooth fluoridation look like at school today?

Fluoridationof teeth (contact fluoridation) is a treatment used for preventive purposes, during which fluoride compounds are used. Fluorine is a chemical element from the group of halogens with high chemical activity. Toxic to living organisms in large amounts. In small amounts, it is necessary for the proper functioning of the body - it is especially important in the metabolism of bones and teeth. Fluoride is an element that is mainly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is found in many food products, including water, tea, cereal products, fish, nuts. Additional fluoride administration in tablets or drops is not currently recommended as a prophylactic measure.

Due to its anti-caries properties, fluoride is widely used in dental offices in the prevention of this caries. In lower concentrations, it is a common ingredient of toothpastes and rinses intended for maintaining proper oral hygiene at home. The beneficial effect of fluoride on the enamel of erupted teeth results mainly from its direct contact with the tooth surface, therefore the most commonly used iscontact fluoridation, or exogenous fluoridation. It consists in applying fluoride preparations in the form of, among others, gels, varnishes or fluoridation foams directly to the surface of the cleaned tooth.

  1. How does fluoridation work?
  2. Advantages and indications for the use of fluoridation
  3. Fluoridation is he althy or is it harmful? Side effects of fluoridation
  4. Dental fluoridation at school

How does fluoridation work?

There are many known methods of fluoridation.fluoridationwith the use of gels, varnishes or foams with a high concentration of fluorine compounds is most often used in dental offices. Fluoridation treatmentit is usually performed after thorough teeth cleaning. Fluoride preparation in the form of a gel or varnish is applied in a thin layer to the surface of the teeth. This layer is kept for several hours, releasing fluoride ions into the enamel. Foams are used on special carriers, the so-called spoons. The foam remains in your mouth for a few minutes, then the foam is removed and any remaining foam should be spit out thoroughly.

After the fluoridation treatment, you should not eat or drink for about 2 hours. Fluoridation can be done in both children and adults. Excess fluoride is harmful to he alth, therefore the frequency, type of preparation and the form of its administration should be selected by the dentist in accordance with the patient's needs.

Advantages and indications for the use of fluoridation

Contact fluoridationis used to prevent tooth decay. Caries is a disease caused by bacteria. In the metabolic processes of microorganisms, sugars supplied with food are converted into acids. With the accumulation of acidic compounds, the pH in the oral cavity drops.

In addition to prophylactic measures and the treatment of initial carious lesions, fluoride compounds are used in the treatment of hypersensitivity in the necks of the teeth.

Low pH causes enamel dissolution and gradual loss of its structure. Initially, this leads to changes in the porosity of the enamel, and then to deeper and deeper cavities. The main components of enamel are hydroxyapatites and fluoroapatites. It is the latter that are more resistant to acid dissolution, and thus make the teeth more resistant to caries. Fluoride applied to the tooth surface penetrates the superficial layers of the enamel and displaces the hydroxyl groups from the hydroxyapatites. As a result of this process, fluoroapatites that are more resistant to acid attack are formed. Fluoride not only strengthens the enamel, it also supports remineralisation processes, i.e. it supports the restoration of minor damage to enamel resulting from the action of acids. Therefore, it is also used in the treatment of initial carious lesions, the so-called white spots.

Another positive effect of fluoride is its influence on the metabolic processes of cariogenic bacteria. Fluoride inhibits some bacterial enzymes (chemicals needed for the basic vital functions of bacterial cells). This reduces the population of bacteria, and thus - less harmful acids.

Fluoridation is he althy or is it harmful? Side effects of fluoridation

Fluoride use brings with itrisk of serious dangers. Fluoride is a toxic substance, exceeding the toxic dose causes a number of he alth and even life-threatening effects. Food intake of fluoride is especially dangerous. Swallowing toothpaste by children is a major risk. Every time you brush your teeth, make sure that your child does not swallow the toothpaste. In the case of small children, after brushing, the remnants of the toothpaste can be removed with sterile gauze. It is worth remembering that fluoride is not only toothpaste or mouthwash. It is an element commonly found in water, tea and many foods.

Fluorosis is a dental disease resulting from excessive fluoride intake during tooth development. It is associated with chronic fluoride poisoning. Depending on the degree of advancement, it ranges from single white spots to extensive dark discoloration of the enamel.

Acute fluoride poisoning, i.e. taking a high dose of fluoride at one time, causes he alth-threatening or even life-threatening complications. Acute fluoride poisoning is characterized by:

  • stomach pains
  • nausea
  • excessive drooling
  • tearing eyes
  • sweating
  • headaches
  • general weakness

As first aid, milk may be given to drink. Calcium contained in milk binds fluoride ions. The patient should receive medical attention as soon as possible.

There are studies proving that fluoride has a negative effect on the nervous and immune systems, as well as on metabolic processes in living cells. As a result of fluoride poisoning, kidney and liver damage can occur. Exceeding the optimal dose of fluoride may adversely affect the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Worth knowing

Teeth fluoridation at school

Fluoridation is carried out in some schools. It includes, among others primary school students, grades 1-6, located in areas where the level of fluoride in drinking water does not exceed 1 mg / l. This is called group fluoride prophylaxis by brushing teeth with fluoride preparations 6 times a year, at intervals of 6 weeks.

Parents must give consent for fluoridation at school to be performed. Therefore, before the planned procedure, the student receives a card from the form teacher, which can be signed (but not obligatory) by the parents.

Toothpaste with fluoride used in the right amount is not harmful to children

The use of a small amount of fluoride toothpaste is safe and important for maintaining the proper condition of the youngest teeth. New Fluoride Recommendations Whichpresented by experts, based on scientific evidence gathered by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Source: Lifestyle.newseria.pl

Category:

Dentistry and Orthodontics