Fluoride & Dental Decay

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Preventing Tooth Decay with Fluoride Treatments in Christchurch

Protecting Smiles with Proven Cavity Prevention Solutions

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.

Why Fluoride is Essential for Preventing Tooth Decay

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a vital role in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. In Christchurch, where families value quality care and long-lasting dental health, fluoride treatments are an effective way to protect teeth from the daily challenges of modern diets and busy lifestyles.

Our advice follows the latest guidance from the Department of Health, which highlights the importance of twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Regular fluoride application helps to remineralise enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay—especially for those at higher risk of developing cavities.

Fluoride Advice for Adults

We recommend that all adults brush their teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste containing between 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride. It is important to brush for two minutes, particularly before bed, and to spit rather than rinse after brushing to ensure the fluoride remains on the teeth for longer.

For adults who experience higher-than-expected decay rates, we can prescribe high-fluoride toothpaste (2,800ppm or 5,000ppm) to provide additional protection. We may also suggest incorporating a fluoride mouthwash into your routine at a different time to brushing, such as after lunch, to further safeguard your teeth against decay.

Fluoride Advice for Children

Good oral hygiene habits should start from an early age, and fluoride plays a key role in protecting children’s developing teeth. Our family-friendly practice in Christchurch encourages parents to supervise their children’s brushing and follow the following guidelines:

  • Children under 3: Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm fluoride) twice daily.

  • Children aged 3-6: Brush twice daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm fluoride).

  • Children aged 7 and above: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride.

For children at higher risk of cavities, we offer professional fluoride varnish applications during routine check-ups to provide extra protection in vulnerable areas.

Supporting the Christchurch Community

We understand that many families in Christchurch value preventative care to avoid more invasive treatments in the future. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised advice and support to help our patients maintain strong, healthy smiles for life.

Whether you’re booking your child’s first dental check-up or seeking advice on managing tooth decay, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. By working together, we can help protect the smiles of our community through the power of fluoride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is fluoride important for preventing tooth decay?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. It works by remineralising enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay, especially for those at higher risk. Regular fluoride use, such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste and professional fluoride treatments, provides essential protection against tooth decay.

What fluoride toothpaste should I use as an adult?

Adults should brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste that contains between 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride. For those who experience higher-than-expected decay rates, a high-fluoride toothpaste (2,800ppm or 5,000ppm) may be recommended. Additionally, a fluoride mouthwash can be used at a different time, like after lunch, to provide extra protection.

How can I protect my child’s teeth with fluoride?

For children, fluoride is crucial in protecting developing teeth. For children under 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, and for children aged 3-6, use a pea-sized amount. For children aged 7 and older, use fluoride toothpaste with 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride. In some cases, fluoride varnish applications during check-ups may also be recommended for extra protection, especially for children at higher risk of cavities.

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My experiences at Hoburne dental practice is always a great one. I had a gap between my two front teeth and a chipped one. Matt spoke to me about the process, on how he will fix them using composite. … Read More

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