Patient Information - Fluoride

As your Dental Surgeon, I recommend the use of fluoride as a supplement to benefit the strength of your teeth and to prevent dental caries. It is important that the doses and instructions for use are not exceeded because NO greater benefit will be derived. In fact, we should all be aware that excess fluoride will cause a slight chalky finish on the enamel and, in severe cases of overdose, this may appear as a brown discolouration.

Science

In Scotland, fluoride only occurs naturally in water in some areas of the Grampian region. In the Republic of Ireland, fluoridation of water has been mandatory since 1964. Fluoride, in the form of supplements and in drinking water, has been repeatedly proven to reduce dental decay in children and adults for the last 50 years.

My Recommendations

All children up to the age of 10 years should take fluoride as a supplement as we consume water with less than 0.3 parts per million (ppm) or 300 microgrammes/litre. The dosing noted overleaf should not be exceeded and has been used in my prescribing of fluoride as a supplement over the last 15 years. No cases of any flouride-based iatrogenic damage has been detected in the children’s teeth in that time.

Everyone should use a fluoride toothpaste and children should use a reduced fluoride toothpaste. As we all know, a small pea size amount of toothpaste should be put on the brush and children should not be encouraged to swallow the toothpaste. The recommended dose for children up to the age of 10 is as follows:-

For special needs or for high caries risk cases, I may allow the dose to be doubled (only under supervision). Children undertaking any orthodontic treatment should rinse daily with a fluoride mouthwash (Colgate FluoriGard). The rinse should be held in the mouth for a minute after brushing thoroughly. Fluoride gel (Gel-Kam) is sometimes recommended where I consider there to be an increased risk of caries. This gel should be applied with a toothbrush and brushed around the teeth after normal brushing in the evening. The foam should be then be swished around the teeth for one minute before being discarded. Fluoride gel and the weekly Duraphat rinse is also useful with adult dentine sensitivity, toothwear or acid erosion and root caries.

Safety

I have been prescribing these fluoride therapies at the noted doses for over 15 years without adverse effect. Used properly, fluoride will ensure you will have good teeth that are resistant to decay forever (not a bad idea!).

Summary

Systemic Recommended Dose: (Only use with Professional Dental advice)

Topical Recommended Dose: (Only use with Professional Dental advice)

This preventive programme will be reviewed at your next dental check-up.