How does fluoride protect teeth? Your essential guide
Home Blog Prevention How does fluoride protect teeth? Prevention

You might have heard your dentist mention fluoride, probably in relation to toothpaste. Though it might sound like it, fluoride isn’t a medication, it’s a mineral found naturally in sea water, soil, plants, air and some foods – but not in high enough amounts to keep teeth healthy. That’s why fluoride is added to drinking water in many areas and is a key ingredient in dental products such as toothpastes, gels and mouthwashes.

How does fluoride protect teeth?

Fluoride protects teeth against decay by strengthening tooth enamel, reducing the amount of acid on your teeth and slowing down the growth of bacteria in your mouth. For kids, fluoride gets built into tooth enamel, helping teeth develop to be stronger and better able to resist acid damage. 

What’s the best fluoride toothpaste?

If you’ve ever felt confused by the range of toothpastes on the market, rest assured that as long as it contains fluoride it will do the job, says dentist Dr Adam Alford from Bupa Dental Brisbane.

“In my opinion there are no toothpastes better than the other – it just needs to contain fluoride,” he shares, adding: “I recommend staying away from whitening and smokers toothpastes as they are much more abrasive and can slowly wear the hard covering of the teeth away.”

To help fluoride do its job well, avoid rinsing toothpaste off your teeth after brushing, he says.

“The most important aspect of using toothpaste and cleaning your teeth is to spit the toothpaste froth from the mouth, floss but do not rinse with water for 20 minutes at least,” Dr Alford advises. “Fluoride works by contact time – if you rinse it out straight away it really doesn’t have time to work.”

Father and daughter brushing their teeth

How much fluoride do I need?

There isn’t a set amount of recommended fluoride, however if you’re drinking tap water regularly and brushing with fluoride toothpaste, you’ll be getting enough for tooth health.
Fluoride is added to water in very small amounts (from 0.6 to 1.1 mg per litre) – and evidence shows this is very safe. If you live in an area where water isn’t fluoridated, have a chat to your dentist about whether fluoride tablets are a good idea. 

Kids and fluoride 

While their teeth are developing, kids living in areas where water is fluoridated need to be careful not to have too much fluoride. Fluorosis is a condition where flecks or fine lines appear on teeth enamel – which your dentist can check for. 

“It is important to use low-strength fluoridated toothpaste and minimal amounts on the toothbrush until at least eight years of age to be safe,” says Dr Alford. 

Fluoride toxicity is another concern – but a mild one. 

“It is only really babies and toddlers at risk and they need to eat a whole tube of toothpaste for it to be a poisoning risk,” he adds. 

How does fluoride mouthwash work?

Fluoride mouthwashes can play a role in preventing tooth decay, but Dr Alford says they aren’t essential. If you’re going to use one, do so at a different time to when you’ve brushed (such as after lunch) and avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterwards. 

Talk to a dentist near you

We’re here to help. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions about fluoride or book an appointment today to ensure your teeth are in tip-top shape.

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1 You can receive 100% back on dental check-up and cleans (select dental items only) once every 6 months at Members First Ultimate Providers. Waiting periods, service restrictions (clinical reasonability rules), policy and fund rules apply. Excludes orthodontics and in-hospital treatments. Available on all eligible extras products which includes General Dental (excluding FLEXtras and Your Choice Extras 60 where General Dental is not included). If you choose or require any additional dental services, any health insurance benefits will also be subject to your yearly limits.

2 You can receive 100% back on direct restorations or fillings (select dental items only), up to yearly limits, at Members First Ultimate Providers. Waiting periods, service restrictions (clinical reasonability rules), policy and fund rules apply. Benefits are payable up to yearly limits or on available remaining limits in relation to your product. Some out of pocket costs may apply if a claim exceeds your yearly limits. Excludes orthodontics and in-hospital treatments. Available on all eligible extras products which includes General Dental (excluding Simple Start – Basic Plus, OSHC Extras, FLEXtras and Your Choice Extras 60 where General Dental is not included). If you choose or require any additional dental services, an out-of-pocket cost may apply.

3 Members First Ultimate Providers are not available in all areas.

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