Fluoride Status

Fluoride is a mineral that enhances tooth and bone health when provided in optimal amounts throughout life. Fluoride increases resistance to dental caries, primarily through topical effects. Fluoride occurs naturally in groundwater. It is also commonly found in foods that are made using fluoridated water and in many public fluoridated water supplies. Caries can be reduced by 50 to 70 percent with exposure to the proper amounts of fluoride.

Water fluoridation is one of the best examples of a public health preventive intervention at the community level. All young children who drink fluoridated water benefit from systemic ingestion by incorporating fluoride into their developing teeth, as well as from important topical effects. Unfortunately, many families live in communities without fluoridated water, and many use multiple or alternative sources of water (e.g., bottled or processed water), complicating the delivery of fluoride to children.

Topical fluoride is probably the most important method of preventing dental caries. Topical fluoride reaches the teeth directly, slowing down or preventing the development of tooth decay. Topical fluoride works best when it is ingested in very small amounts many times a day through water, foods containing fluoride, and fluoridated toothpaste. Almost all toothpaste manufactured in the United States provides topical fluoride.

Another form of topical fluoride is professionally applied fluoride (including gel, foam, and varnish), which renews the high levels of fluoride in the enamel. Topical fluoride may be especially effective for children at high risk for dental caries because they lack fluoridated water, have a history of tooth decay, snack frequently on foods high in sugar, or have a medical condition that makes them susceptible to decay.

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