Fluoride & Dental Decay

What does Fluoride do?

Fluoride reduces dental decay. Fluoride can be found in most toothpastes and many mouthwashes. In some parts of the country, it occurs naturally or is added to drinking water, neither is the case in the BCP area. Fluoride is proven to significantly reduce dental decay in both children and adults. .

What do we advise?

We advise that all patients should use a fluoride toothpaste with timed two-minute brushing twice daily. In our clinical experience patients who use a non-fluoride toothpaste end up needing several fillings, at which point the habitual use of a non-fluoride containing toothpaste is often discovered.

For Adults: Current advice regarding toothbrushing from the Department of Health is as follows:

Brush teeth at least twice daily:

  • last thing at night (or before bedtime) and on at least one other occasion
  • with toothpaste containing 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride
  • spitting out after brushing rather than rinsing with water, to avoid diluting the fluoride concentration

For those adults with a higher-than-expected decay rate we can prescribe special toothpastes with a higher-than-normal concentration of fluoride – either 2800ppm or 5000ppm. These toothpastes are classed as prescription only medicines. Use of a fluoride mouthwash at another time from brushing eg after lunch can also be beneficial.

For Children: Current advice regarding toothbrushing from the Department of Health is as follows:

  • Children under 3 years old should brush twice daily, with a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride.
  • Children between 3 and 6 years old should brush at least twice daily with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1,000ppm fluoride.
  • Children over 7 and adults should brush at least twice daily with a toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride.

For children with a higher decay rate, a special fluoride varnish can be applied to any at risk areas at their routine check-ups.

Back to Treatments Introduction
Click here to book an appointment
or request a call back
Tooth Cleaning
Tooth Cleaning