Dental Fluorosis

How fluoride is helping in the fight against tooth decay in Bristol.

What is fluoride and how does it benefit my teeth?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water across the UK. It’s also frequently included as an ingredient in toothpaste. Fluoride helps fight tooth decay by preventing bacteria’s ability to create the acid which can attack your teeth. It also helps your tooth enamel resist acid attack.

If fluoride’s in the water, why do I need it in my toothpaste?

Whilst all water contains some naturally occurring fluoride, the amount isn’t enough to be of great benefit to your teeth. Fluoride in your toothpaste helps ‘top up’ the amount of fluoride to an amount that can make a difference.

Some areas of the UK add fluoride to the water – Bristol isn’t one of them.

We recommend you choose a regular off the shelf toothpaste containing fluoride. If you’re particularly prone to tooth decay you may benefit from a toothpaste or mouthwash containing a higher dose of fluoride, but please talk to your Bristol dentist about this before taking any action.

Can you have too much fluoride?

Over the past few years you might have heard some views suggesting that fluoride could be to blame for a number of health concerns. The general view remains, however, that the right amount of fluoride is a benefit.

It is, though, possible to have too much fluoride, although this is rare in the UK because levels of fluoride exposure are generally low. Too much fluoride can result in white speckling or lines on the teeth and this is called dental fluorosis. It is most likely to affect children whose teeth are exposed to too much fluoride whilst they’re still developing.

If you are concerned about fluoride, please contact your Bristol dentist.

Make your appointment

Keep your teeth healthy. Please book your appointment with your Bristol dental practice using the form on the right, or call us on 0117 958 68 78.