Fluoride Benefits and Information

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Fluoride is a mineral which is naturally found in Canada’s water, food, soil, and air.

We have used fluoride to prevent tooth decay since the 1940’s. In fact, it has been scientifically proven to:

  • strengthen tooth enamel
  • lower the amount of acid in your mouth
  • rebuild minerals that make teeth stronger

Sources of fluoride to prevent tooth decay

Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay.

Water

Drinking water that contains an optimal level of fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.

Varnishes

Varnish prevents tooth decay in people who are at risk for the disease. Varnish should be painted on your teeth by someone who has been trained to do so.

Mouth rinses

Mouth rinses or mouthwashes prevent tooth decay in people who are at risk for the disease. Talk to your oral health professional before using them. Never give fluoridated mouth rinses or mouthwashes to children under 6 years of age. These rinses contain very high levels of fluoride, and young children are more likely to swallow them.

Gels and foams

Gels and foams are applied to the teeth to prevent tooth decay in people who are at risk for the disease. However, research shows that they do not work as well as varnish.

Supplements

Fluoride supplements are drops or tablets. Only take them if an oral health professional advises you to.

Effects on health

Fluoride is good for your teeth, but having too much can cause two potential effects on health:

  • dental fluorosis
  • skeletal fluorosis

Is your Vape Causing Cavities?

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New research from Tufts University finds people who use vape products are more likely to develop dental decay. The CDC finds 9.1 million adults, and 2 million use tobacco-based vaping products, that puts a lot of teeth at risk!

Over the last few years, public awareness has increased about the dangers of vaping to systemic health — particularly after the use of vaping devices was tied to lung disease. Some dental research has shown ties between e-cigarette use and increased markers for gum disease, and damage to the tooth’s enamel. But relatively little emphasis has been placed on the intersection between e-cigarette use and oral health, even by dentists.

In the study, though the vast majority of patients said they did not use vape products, there was a statistically significant difference in dental caries risk levels between the e-cigarette/vaping group and the control group. Some 79% of the vaping patients were categorized as having high-caries risk, compared to just about 60% of the control group. The vaping patients were not asked whether they used devices that contained nicotine or THC, although nicotine is more common.

One reason why e-cigarette use could contribute to a high risk of cavities is the sugary content and viscosity of vaping liquid, which, when aerosolized and then inhaled through the mouth, sticks to the teeth – similar to sugary drinks and candy.

Vaping aerosols have been shown to change the oral microbiome making it more hospitable to decay-causing bacteria. It’s also been observed that vaping seems to encourage decay in areas where it usually doesn’t occur — such as the bottom edges of front teeth. It takes an aesthetic toll.