There has been some controversy lately as to whether fluoride is necessary. As a result, there’s been an influx of fluoride-free toothpaste and other products. Unfortunately, all this controversy has led to confusion for dental patients. Dr. Mike Olsen, the dentist at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska receives many questions at his Wisconsin office regarding fluoride. Despite what you may have read, fluoride is still an important component of your dental health.

What Is Fluoride & What Does It Do?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in food and water. This mineral works to strengthen the tooth enamel, which is the hard, outer surface of our teeth, making our teeth more resistant to decay. In children, fluoride can begin strengthening the teeth before they’ve even erupted. Once the teeth have erupted, fluoride restores the lost minerals and can even reverse the earliest traces of tooth decay.

How Do You Get Fluoride?

There are two ways we get fluoride. One is systemically, meaning we ingest it. The most common source of fluoride is water; the mineral occurs naturally in water sources, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. Many communities also add fluoride to their water, so your drinking water provides the much-needed mineral to both children and adults.

The second way we get fluoride is through fluoridated dental products, like toothpaste and mouthwash. This is known as a topical application of the mineral. Brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste and using mouthwash can aid in the re-mineralization of your teeth. Pediatric dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste as soon as your child’s first tooth appears, but you should use an amount no larger than the size of a grain of rice. Between the ages of three and six, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to the size of a pea.

If you have questions or concerns about the amount of fluoride you and your children are getting, ask your dentist or dental hygienist at your next appointment. You can learn more about Dr. Olsen and the Dental Clinic of Onalaska by visiting their website, or you can speak with a member of their dental team directly by calling (608) 783-3341.