Fluoride is a chemical ion of the element fluorine. Fluoride is found naturally in water, foods, soil, and several minerals such as fluorite and fluorapatite. It protects teeth from decay and cavities when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars, acid is produced that can erode tooth enamel and damage teeth. Therefore, children need fluoride to protect their permanent teeth as they are forming, however very accurate quantities could only do good, if there's an overdose of fluoride, it would highly damage and compromise the health of the patients especially the young ones.
Adults
need fluoride so that they can continue to protect teeth against tooth decay.
If a cavity has already formed, there is no role of fluoride thereafter against
caries.
Furthermore,
Fluoride may be ingested or applied topically. If foods containing fluoride
(such as meat, fish, eggs, and tea leaves) are consumed, then it enters the
bloodstream and is eventually absorbed by the teeth and bones. Fluoride can
also be applied directly to teeth by a professional in a dental clinic. The
teeth will readily absorb topical fluoride treatments, and the chemical will
remain in the mouth for several hours. We recommend topical fluoride
application in highly caries prone child patients to protect them against the
dental decay.
