Cavities used to be a fact of life. But during the past few decades scientists began to notice that children who lived in places where fluoride occurred naturally in the water had fewer dental cavities.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources including the oceans. When absorbed by your body, it is used by the cells that build your teeth to make stronger enamel. Topical fluoride that is applied to the outside of your enamel makes the crystals that form enamel more durable. Such crystals are more resistant to acid and are therefore less likely to breakdown.

Topical and Systemic Fluoride

Fluoride is obtained in two forms: topical and systemic. The maximum reduction in tooth decay is achieved when fluoride is available both topically and systemically. Water fluoridation provides both types of exposure

Topical fluorides may be found in toothpastes, mouthrinses and fluoride applied at the dentist.

Professionally applied or prescribed topical fluoride treatments such as fluoride foams, gels, rinses and varnishes are available.

One of the best ways to prevent mineral loss from the tooth or demineralization and help the replacement process or remineralization is by using toothpaste that contains fluoride. A small amount used daily helps balance the tug-of-war in your favor.

Systemic fluorides are those that are ingested. They include fluoridated water and dietary fluoride supplements in the form of tablets, drops, lozenges, fluoridated milk, salt etc. Systemic fluorides are incorporated into tooth structures that are forming.

Municipal water fluoridation:

Community water fluoridation is an extremely effective and inexpensive means of obtaining the fluoride necessary for optimal prevention of tooth decay. Water fluoridation has been proven to reduce decay in both children and adults.

Drinking water fluoride in India varies from place to place. It is advisable to know the fluoride level before any other form of fluoride supplement is taken. If the fluoride level of the home's drinking water is unknown, the water should be tested for fluoride content before supplements are prescribed or you may ask your dentist.

Make sure both you and your children drink fluoridated water everyday. Encourage your kids to have water instead of soft drinks. Remember bottled water may be very popular now, but it may not contain fluoride.

Topical Fluorides:

Parents should judiciously monitor the use of all fluoride-containing dental products by children younger than 6 years because ingestion of higher-than-recommended levels of fluoride by children has been associated with an increased risk of very mild to mild permanent discoloration in developing, unerupted teeth which is more damaging than useful.

Place only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a young child's toothbrush at each brushing. Young children should be supervised while brushing and taught to spit out, rather than to swallow the toothpaste.

Fluoridated mouthrinses are effective in reducing tooth decay in both children and adults. Remember the use of fluoride mouthrinses is not recommended for children younger than 6 years because they may swallow the rinse.