How does fluoride in water work on teeth - through ingestion or because it washes over your teeth?
540836
When we are young, about ten and under fluoride works systemically, meaning from within.  Because teeth are still developing, the f2 helps with the formation of the enamel and dentin.  Have you ever seen children with white spots that are part of their natural tooth structure?  This is called fluorosis and is just an ingestion of to much f2.  As we get older and our tooth formation is complete f2 works from the outside, meaning it coats and covers your teeth helping them to resist bacteria and make teeth stronger.  Sometimes we use too much toothpaste on our little one's toothbrush, thus leading to the white spots.  The spots are not dangerous, just sometimes unsightly.  The issue with using too much toothpaste on a young child's toothbrush is fear of overdose which can be fatal, even in small doses.  so make sure to use a very small amount on a child younger then six to be sure this is not an issue.
163564
Mouth wash is akin to washing your hands, it'll clean it untill you dirty it again.
1053624
I agree with you and I wish more people were aware of this...all over the world they have used this water treatment and it has to have an effect on people being depressed also like a world epidemic of psychological problems  at proportions unheard of it the past.We are nothing but guinea pigs,look at the money the big drug companies have made on all types of illness related to fluoride side effects we ha vent even scratched the surface yet.
481893
I brush after so nothing gets on my teeth. before, I floss and use mouthwash.
170187
Toothpastes contain between 1000 to 1500 µg/g of fluoride.  Toothpastes made for children contain less fluoride which is usually between 250 to 500 µg/g.  The reason a children's toothpaste has less fluoride is because it is common for children to swallow toothpaste and fluoride can make the stomach quite nauseated.\n\nAnd just FYI, the toothpaste AIM is not ADA (American Dental Association) approved.  Make sure you are always using a toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA.  Just check the box for the seal of approval.
1854
Definitions of fluoride on the Web:\n\n    * a binary compound of fluorine with another element; added to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay.\n      http://www.wef.org/publicinfo/newsroom/wastewater_glossary.jhtml\n\n    * a mineral that can be found in water and toothpaste that can help prevent tooth decay.\n      http://www.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/2153/router.asp\n\n    * A chemical that helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride may be present in drinking water or applied to the teeth.\n      http://www.seniormag.com/conditions/cancer/cancerglossary/f.htm\n\n    * A chemical applied to the teeth to prevent tooth decay.\n      http://www.austincancercenters.com/glossary.shtml\n\n    * A mineral that is effective in preventing and reversing the early signs of dental caries. Fluoride occurs naturally and contains the element fluorine.\n      http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih2/oral-health/other/glossary.htm\n\n    * Topical application of a gel or liquid that prevents decay.\n      http://www.drhart.com/2003/2003_definitions.htm\n\n    * A chemical that is used to strengthen the tooth enamel. Added to many public water supplies and toothpastes. << Back to top\n      http://www.1800dentist.com/faq/dictionary.aspx
757996
No.  Actually baking soda is good for your teeth.  It helps keep it clean and bright.  It would be wise to use a fluoride rinse afterwords if you are only going to use baking soda alone and don't forget to floss daily to get the food and plaque hiding in between the teeth.
334197
It's not dangerous to rinse with.  But it can make you sick if you swallow it.  If it was dangerous, they wouldn't be selling it.  Fluoride mouthrinses are very effective at preventing cavities.
72025
it definitely goes through your digestive system.  the 7 year thing is a myth.  the stomach acids get rid of the gum.  if there's anything left over, then it just goes where all the leftover waste that isn't put in the blood goes....the toilet.
191629
that sounds like a conspiracy theory to me. I do know that floride in the water is a problem in the US. although florine does minimize tooth decay, it also causes flourisis (spelling). and the way flouride is produced is absolutley disgusting.\n\nto cut a long story short; florine in tap water is useless in our modern society.
145509
Most U.S. cities put flouride additives in their water if there isn't enough, and they treat water when there is too much flouride present. Often children in the U.S. public schools are given flouride treatments regularly.  \nIn general, I also think that "Europeans" are not as obsessed with having white teeth as Americans are.
587587
Cavities can happen on ANY tooth and that's why dentist are highly trained to handle filling them to stop the cavity from doing more damage.\n\nWhen you get "plaque" on your teeth, what you are getting is a "film of bacteria." These bacteria stick to your teeth, and one of the things they do is create acid as a by-product of their metabolism. The acid can eat through the enamel of the tooth and cause a cavity -- a hole through the enamel. \n\nThere are three parts to a tooth: \n\nThe outer, very hard enamel \nThe inner, much softer dentin (Dentin is like ivory.) \nThe core pulp, consisting of nerves and blood vessels \nOnce the acid breaks through the enamel, bacteria invade the dentin and can eat through it fairly quickly. If they make it to the pulp, that is when you get a tooth infection and need a root canal. \n\nWhen a dentist drills a tooth, what he or she is doing is shaping an opening. The first reason to do this is to ensure that all of the rot in the dentin is completely removed. \n\nThe second reason is to create a shape to which the filling (either silver/mercury amalgam or plastic) can bond and fill completely.
828040
Yes it does actually! It's DISGUSTING but it helps a lot...I think I put it on my teeth for about 2 weeks, once a day. But only do your front teeth because it's so gross!
739832
Hello I was wonder if you are a soda drinker? I know from personal experience that if you drink pop you must clean your teeth after word or the sugar & acid in it remain on your teeth almost all day even more so on your back teeth. so after eating or drinking anything try to risen out ur mouth with water or even wipe ur teeth off after woulds with a cloth if you can't bruse them every lillte bit helps when wanting to save ur teeth or give up drinking anything persweetened(pop,tea,coffee sweetened,lemonaides,etc.)Try using paste that are good for ur type of teeth and ask ur Dentist about it may you need a coating placed over your teeth to help them be portected.
328576
I disagree with the above answers.  I looked at the above-mentioned link and I still feel that the advantages of fluoride outweigh the risks.  The sources I added provide information on fluoridation of public water systems - the risks and the benefits.  The American Dental Associaton has long supported water fluoridation, along with the U.S. Public Health Service, American Medical Association, American Public Health Association, World Health Organization, National Cancer Institute, National Academy of Sciences, and other domestic and foreign health organizations.  All legal challenges opposing water fluoridation have been struck down by the highest court hearing the case.  \n\nThere is a higher concentration of fluoride in toothpaste than there is in public water.  That is why the ADA statement on each tube of fluoridated toothpaste says not to swallow and to only use a pea-sized amount.  Children should be supervised when brushing because they are more likely to swallow it.  Fluoride rinses and gels should also not be swallowed.  Children who ingest fluoride over long periods of time are likely to develop dental fluorosis in teeth that have not fully formed.  That is why there are toothpastes made for children that do not contain fluoride.  The optimal level of fluoride in water is between 0.7 and 1.2 parts per million.  This amount of fluoride is sufficient enough to prevent decay while minimizing the occurence of dental fluorosis.\n\nThe above link mentions studies that proved that fluoridated water does not prevent dental caries, but I don't agree with that either.  A study by the National Institute of Dental Research in 1986-1987 found that five-year-old children who lived all their lives in optimally fluoridated communities had 39 percent less caries and fillings compared with those who lived in communites where the water was fluoride-deficient.  Eight studies in the U.K. showed reductions in caries of 40-60 percent with fluoridated water.  Irish children were also studied with the same results.  I see the benefits of fluoridated water everyday.
554153
Yup. They're called disclosing tablets. Ask your dentist if he has any... he may, and if so, he'll probably just give them to you.\nI have more than I know what to do with...\n\n\n**********************************************************\nTo Nebula D\n\nThis person didn't ask anything more than what they're called. I assume, since this person knows about them, that they have received OHI. And, since I'm not looking in their mouth, I can't really tell where they need to improve. But, thanks for telling them to brush and floss. I'm sure they had no idea.\nPLEASE find someone else to pick on and leave me alone.\nPS: Plax isn't a fluoride rinse. Sorry that a hygienist had to point that one out to you...
438235
When you say taking care of your teeth, what does this entail?  Do you brush and floss everyday?  You have to floss everyday.  Once or twice a week does not count.  You have to disturb the bacteria (plaque) on your teeth every twenty-four hours or it turns into acid, which in turn causes decay and bone loss leading to periodontal disease.  Tooth-brushing alone does not reach all of the places that plaque, bacteria, and food debris can get to.  You have to floss.  There is no other way to really clean between the teeth.  Periodontal disease is when the gum tissue and bone start to pull away from the root of the tooth, thus leading to mobility of the tooth.  You can never get the bone back, (Unless you have a bone graft) but you can stop the progression of the disease and tighten those gums up.  If you are bleeding when you are brushing or flossing then you have some form of perio disease.  The best thing to do is to see your dentist every six months, more if you are diagnosed with perio disease, brush and floss everyday, and limit sugar and carbs.  If you have sugar or carbs make sure that you either brush as soon as possible or chew sugarless gum.  You can also swish with water to loosen some of the food debris that is stuck on your teeth.  Yes genetics play a role in dental health, but it is not the primary reason for bad teeth.  My mom had a complete upper denture by the time she was thirty.  I am thirty four and have all of my teeth, except wisdom.  Everybody on my mom's side have dentures.  So yes I have a genetic link to poor dental health, but knowing this I take extra special care of my teeth to prevent any loss.  If you think dentures are the answer, think again.  Nine out of ten patients I have consulted with wished they had kept their teeth.  There are so many options now, implants, crowns, bridges,etc.  Dentistry is expensive, but to keep your teeth in my opinion it is well worth the price.  There are many helpful websites dedicated to dental health.  All you have to do is type in dental care on your search engine, and away you will go.