Fluoride Supplement In Marlborough, MA

Using Fluoride to Protect Your Teeth

You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit the dentist every six months, but did you know that rinsing with fluoride — a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay — also helps keep your teeth healthy and strong?

Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay by coating your teeth and preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth's surface.

Fluoride comes in two varieties, systemic and topical

  • Systemic fluoride is ingested, usually through a public water supply. While teeth are forming under the gums, the fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, and makes it stronger and more resistant to cavities.
  • Fluoride can also be applied topically to help prevent caries (cavities) on teeth present in the mouth. It is delivered through toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional fluoride applications.

Receiving a fluoride treatment from your dentist

A fluoride treatment in your dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, you may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride.

Depending on your oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe an at-home fluoride product such as a mouthwash, gel, or antibacterial rinse.

How to choose the right fluoride treatment

When choosing your own at-home fluoride product (such as toothpaste or mouthwash), always check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined by the ADA, and approved for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth and smile bright with dental fluoride treatments!

Fluoride Supplement Dosage Schedule—2010

Approved by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs

FLUORIDE ION LEVEL IN DRINKING WATER (PPM)*

AGE

< 0.3

0.3-0.6

>0.6

Birth–6 months

None

None

None

6 months–3 years

0.25 mg/day**

None

None

3–6 years

0.50 mg/day

0.25 mg/day

None

6–16 years

1.0 mg/day

0.50 mg/day

None

*1.0 part per million (ppm) = 1 milligram per liter (mg/l)

** 2.2 mg sodium fluoride contains 1 mg fluoride ion.