Fluoride gets a lot of Buzz in the press. But how does it help us in our day to day maintenance of our teeth and gums? There are several types of fluoride products out there for us to use and in several different strengths. Sorting out what is the correct usage for us and our family and when to use what and at what age can be a daunting task without a how to sheet to guide us through.

Fluoride is an element and all those familiar with the periodic table in science class remember memorizing it as F for the test the teacher gave us. When used as a treatment for our teeth to fight cavities it is combined with sodium and given as a rinse or a gel. In strong concentrations the sodium fluoride is used only in the office; we don't want kids swallowing excess fluoride because it can give developing teeth discoloration if repeatedly ingested. In a tooth paste the concentration is much less but you still don't want to swallow the paste.

Many people think fluoride is for children only. Adults benefit from fluoride too. Anyone who has decay should use a fluoride paste prescription until they have moved past the cavity prone stage and have their teeth restored to health. Stannous fluoride is another form of fluoride used in the treatment of decay and gum disease. Administration of a therapeutic dose of fluoride after a deep cleaning or scaling has several advantages. The root surfaces are re mineralized, the sensitivity of the teeth is decreased, and the infection in the gums is fought by inhibiting bacterial growth. An at home prescription fluoride rinse can replace an over the counter rinse to combat gum disease .

Any product used to excess can have bad effects and fluoride is no different. Some areas of the country as Arizona and New Mexico have fluoride in high concentrations in the water, especially well water. This is not usually a problem in the eastern U.S. but there are rare cases of too much fluoride in water. The discoloration of teeth is an indicator excess fluoride was present when teeth were forming. The teeth may be very strong and hard but fluorosis as it is called can be unsightly. Some people may be hypersensitive to fluoride and these folks should avoid fluoride products.