Flor

Fluorine, one of the elements with vital value for the human body, is the most important mineral in preventing the formation of caries. There are varying amounts of fluoride in drinking water, in products such as meat, fish, chicken and tea. Applying fluoride properly and in the appropriate amount is a reliable and proven method for preventing caries and controlling dental caries.

It has been reported by leading health organizations such as the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), especially the World Health Organization (WHO) that fluoride protects teeth against decay by strengthening tooth enamel, especially in children. The most important rule to follow regarding the use of fluoride is not to exceed the recommended optimal dose. If an excessive amount of fluoride is taken, various side effects may occur.

The first of the problems that may occur due to excessive fluoride intake is “dental fluorosis”. Fluorosis is a formation disorder in the enamel layer that affects permanent teeth that have not yet lasted, due to excessive fluoride intake at a young age. Teeth with mild fluorosis may give very few symptoms and are usually not noticed by the patient. White lines and dot formations are developing from mild to moderate intensity. In severe fluorosis, pitting of the teeth and brown, gray, black spots and enamel formation disorders are encountered. When the dose of fluoride taken is much higher, a condition called “skeletal fluorosis” may occur, which affects the bones and joints.

The harmful effects of fluorine, which have been proven beneficial with controlled and regular use, occur when taken in high doses. In order to prevent the formation of fluorosis, toothpaste containing low amounts of fluoride in children should be used in the size of peas, the ingestion and swallowing of toothpaste should be prevented. If foods such as fluoridated fruit juice, formula, salt are consumed, the fluoride ratios they contain should be evaluated and the frequency of use should be decided accordingly. Fluorinated tablets should be stored out of the reach of small children.

Fluoride affects the teeth in two ways. First, fluoride mixed with saliva settles on the tooth surface and forms a protective layer for the tooth. Secondly, it participates in the structure of tooth enamel, making it more resistant to caries. In this way, it prevents the formation of caries by reducing the effect of caries-making bacteria and stops the progression of the initial caries that occurs. For this reason, fluoride should be used at the recommended dose under the supervision of a dentist to protect against caries from a young age.

Fluoride applying can be performed systemically and topically in two ways. In systemic fluoride applying, fluoride is systemically taken into the body by consuming products such as fluoridated drinking water, fluoride tablets, fluoridated lozenges and fluoridated milk. In this case, the frequency of the products to be used should definitely be under the control of the dentist. In topical fluoride applying, products such as gel, varnish, varnish containing fluoride on the teeth should be applied by a dentist. With both methods, an effective protection against caries is obtained as a result of controlled applying.