The Role Of Fluoride In Preventing Dental Caries

The Role Of Fluoride In Preventing Dental Caries

Write a short note on fluorides.
Answer:

Fluorides are the agents to improve the resistance of teeth to dental caries. Fluoride agents are the most effective and easy method of increasing the resistance of the tooth to dental decay

Systemic Fluoridation:

Water fluoridation or systemic fluoride in the form of drops or tablets produces a dramatic reduction in caries levels.

Topically Applied Fluoride:

• Effect:
  • The topical fluoride converts some of the surface hydroxyapatite into acid-resistant fluorapatite.
  • It can be in the form of mouthwashes or dentifrices. These are effective due to the frequency of use.
  • The dentist can also apply them as fluoride varnishes or pastes. These are less effective.

Other agents used include the following:

• Fluoride mouthwashes: Flavored solutions containing either 0.05 or 0.2 % sodium fluoride along with antiplaque agents.
  • Use: Undiluted rinse is swished intraorally either daily (0.05%) or weekly (0.2%).
• Fluoride tablets/drops: Flavored tablets or solutions containing either 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg of sodium fluoride.
  • Use: The tablets or drops are used on an everyday basis. It is especially indicated in regions where the community supply contains less than 0.3 ppm of fluoride.
• Fluoride gels: Gels of adulated phosphate fluoride (APF) or 0.4% stannous fluoride with hydroxyethyl cellulose thickening agents.
  • Use: The gel is applied to the entire dentition at one time by using two flexible trays, which contain a close-fitting paper of foam absorbent liners soaked in the gel. It should be applied for 4 or 5 minutes. Rinsing should be avoided for 30 minutes.
• Fluoride varnishes: Fluoride varnishes are used to prevent tooth decay on smooth surfaces. Fluoride varnishes are painted onto the teeth with a special tiny brush. Teeth are cleaned with tooth- a brush fist and then dried with a gauge and after this varnish should be applied.