The fluoride preventive treatments are the prevention of tooth decay by using fluoride, a mineral that helps the building of an enamel more resistant to the acid attack of the bacterial plaque and that protects it if taken once the tooth has formed.
Effects of fluoride in children
Fluoride is useful in the prevention of tooth decay, because when it is taken during the phase of development of the mineral structure of the enamel, it allows the formation of fluorapatite: a material resistant to the acid and demineralizing attack of the bacteria plaque.
Before assuming fluoride tablets, you should control the quantity of fluoride in the mineral water that you drink, to avoid any excess. There are types of waters for sale that are very rich in fluoride and others in which this mineral is poor or also absent.
Effects of fluoride on completely formed teeth
When the tooth has formed, fluoride helps the remineralization of the enamel already damaged from the acids of the bacteria plaque, and inhibits the metabolism of the plaque bacteria.
Fluoride toothpastes are therefore more efficient in prevention of tooth decay, in comparison to toothpastes without fluoride. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride must be kept in the mouth for 1 minute and then removed, watching to avoid eating, drinking and rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes after use.
Preventive measures in the use of fluoride toothpastes for children
The child needs to be early educated to oral hygiene, but below the age of 6 years the supervision of an adult while brushing his teeth is necessary. The person who supervises needs to check that the child uses small portions of toothpaste, and swallows as little as possible.
From the age of 6 years, when the anterior teeth are not at risk of opacity due to the ingestion of fluoride anymore, high concentration toothpastes can be used.
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