Fluoride
The sources of fluoride
- Drinking water: In Hong Kong, the fluoride concentration in water is 0.5 ppm (parts per million). The intake of fluoridated water is adequate to prevent tooth decay.
- Food: Fluoride is found in tea leaves and certain seafoods.
- Oral care products: Fluoride is added in most of our oral care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
Effectiveness of fluoride in prevention of tooth decay
- During the initial stage of dental caries, an appropriate amount of fluoride can enhance the saliva to replenish the lost minerals, promote the remineralization of teeth and repair the early caries.
- Fluoride strengthens teeth and increases their resistance to acid attacks.
- Fluoride inhibits the growth of dental plaque and reduces its acid-producing capability.
Points to note when using fluoride-containing products
- Toothpaste: Young children should use a pea-sized blob of children toothpaste which contains a lower concentration of fluoride. Ingestion of excessive amount of fluoride will lead to dental fluorosis with white patches found on the newly erupted permanent teeth.
- Mouthwash: Only those who are prone to tooth decay, such as patients under orthodontic treatment or after radiotherapy, etc., they need to use fluoride mouthwash according to the instruction of the dentist.
- Children under 6 years of age should not use fluoride mouthwash to avoid accidental ingestion.
Reference: Oral Health Education Division
