Fluoride – Friend or Foe?

Fluoride can be found naturally in our food and our drinking water. There is about 0.3 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride in our water. This level has been found to have no adverse health risks. Some areas of the UK have a bit extra added but here in Hampshire and anywhere supplied by Southern Water, there is no added fluoride.

There is around 1500 ppm of fluoride in the average toothpaste. There is no evidence this level is harmful when you use the correct amount and spit after brushing. Adding it to our toothpaste has helped to decrease the incidence of tooth decay by as much as 50%.

Fluoride has been scientifically proven to help reduce tooth decay by making the enamel stronger and therefore helps our dental health. It bonds with the enamel to create a stronger surface that is less likely to be attacked by the harmful plaque bacteria.

Children up to 3 years old should use a toothpaste with at least 1000ppm fluoride and a pea sized amount. You can check this by looking at the ingredients list on the back of the toothpaste tube. Adults should use 1500ppm.

Fluoride takes 30 minutes to work so make sure you spit the toothpaste out but don’t rinse after. This is to ensure that you  get the full protection from it. However, OralB ‘Pro Expert’ and ‘Gum and Enamel’ toothpastes activate in water so you must rinse after using these.

If you are still unsure about fluoride please contact our friendly staff at  New Street Dental Care on 01264301301 or email us at info@newstreetdentalcare.co.uk for more advice and they will be happy to chat to you. This information was obtained from the Oral Health Foundation.