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Fluoride and Oral Health

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally. It's used to help prevent tooth decay in both children and adults. It can either be put on the surface of the teeth or taken in through the water supply or supplements (systemic fluoride). It also strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the harmful effects of plaque. Fluoride makes the whole tooth resistant to decay. It also helps with remineralization, which helps to prevent early tooth decay.

How is fluoride given?

Topical fluoride

  • Products with fluoride, such as most toothpastes and mouth rinses

    • Brush your or your child's teeth twice a day.

    • When your child's first tooth appears, use a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, to brush their teeth.

    • At about 3 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

    • Children under 6 years old should not use mouth rinses.

  • Fluoridated varnishes, gels, or foams put on the teeth by a dentist or other dental health provider

    • They may be used every 3 to 6 months, beginning when the first tooth appears.

Systemic fluoride

  • Public and private water supplies

  • Prescription supplements

  • Other sources may be tea, soft drinks, and some bottled water

Once swallowed, fluoride is absorbed in the digestive tract. It then goes all over the body through the blood supply. It also returns to the mouth in the saliva to continually bathe the teeth in fluoride.

Does using fluoride have health risks?

In general, fluoride is safe. Health risks of fluoride use are usually from misuse and from using too much. To prevent these risks:

  • Don't swallow toothpaste or other dental hygiene products.

  • Buy toothpaste that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This helps to make sure that the product is safe and works well.

  • Keep toothpaste out of young children's reach. Help your young child brush their teeth until they are 7 to 8 years old.

  • Call the local water department or the health department to find out about fluoride in your local drinking water. If your water is fluoridated, you won't need a fluoride supplement.

Children are most at risk for dental fluorosis. This is because developing teeth are more sensitive to fluoride. Dental fluorosis is not a disease. But it affects how the teeth look. The American Dental Association defines mild fluorosis as faint white lines or streaks on teeth that only occur when younger children take in too much fluoride from any source over long periods when teeth are developing under the gums. This does not affect the health of the teeth or how they work. Fluorosis only occurs in developing teeth, not those that have already appeared. See a dentist or other oral care provider if you see changes in your child's teeth.