What do I need to know about Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in all sources of water, including the ocean.

Extensive international research has discovered that fluoride repairs the teeth during the early stages of tooth decay so that the decay is unable to either form or progress.

Fluoride is absorbed into the enamel of your teeth and replenishes the lost phosphorous and calcium that keep your teeth strong and hard. The process of fluoride being absorbed into the enamel is called “remineralisation” and prevents dissolution (thinning or dissolving) of the tooth enamel.

Most parts of Australia (except for a couple of exceptions where they have high levels of fluoride occurring naturally in their water supply), adds fluoride to community supplies of drinking water.

Fluoride, more than any other method of preventing tooth decay, has noticeably reduced the rate of cavities in populations right around the world (without exception). After decades of research, the only symptom related to fluoride is when too much fluoride is ingested. It leads to the appearance of ultra white spotting on the surface of the teeth, called Fluorosis or fluoride specks. Otherwise fluoride is safe for consumption.

Between the fluoride in tap water and the fluoride found in the majority of toothpaste’s available in Australia, only those who drink bottled water or water from spring sources are likely to need extra fluoride as part of their oral hygiene regime.

If you do want to add extra cavity protection for your adult teeth, then you can rinse daily with a fluoride mouth rinse. This will give you a small extra fluoride boost for stronger teeth.

If you’re still worried that you’re not getting enough fluoride for healthy teeth, then consult your Dentist. If you’re at high risk or your teeth need a little more fluoride than they’re getting right now, your Dentist can prescribe fluoride tablets. You can think of fluoride tablets as being like other health supplements (like calcium or vitamin C) that you can get naturally from the things you eat or drink, but sometimes you may need an extra boost.

If you happen to live in one of the few places in Australia that doesn’t add fluoride to the drinking water, like Cairns, then an extra fluoride supplement can be a good idea too.