Question 1

if i only drink bottled water, should i take a fluoride supplement too?

Accepted Answer

No: If you are 43 years old, all of your teeth are fully formed ; ingesting Fluoride will have no effect on the strength of the enamel on your teeth. Fluoridated water (or Fluoride supplements) is only important for tooth strength when one is of the age of developing tooth enamel (6 months to 16 years). For more information see: http://www.Ada.Org/2684.Aspx?Currenttab=2 we all get some Fluoride anyway.

Question 2

my daughter is 3 months old and is exclusively formula fed. when do i need to start using water with fluoride or fluoride supplements?

Accepted Answer

Flouride supplements: there are recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association. They essentially say this, children under 6 months do not need supplementation.  Children who live in areas with fluoridated community water do not need supplementation.

Question 3

is fluoride necessary to have good teeth?  why do some dentists not recommend the supplements?

Accepted Answer

Fluoride supplements: Fluoride supplementation has been shown to prevent development of dental caries especially in areas where the drinking water has low Fluoride content. Taking greater than the prescribed amount per age occasionally results in staining of teeth. This maybe the reason why dentists do not recommend Fluoride supplements as toothpaste now incorporate Fluoride as well.

Question 4

what is the best way for a young child to get flouride for their teeth, daily supplements or topical foam at the dentist's office?

Accepted Answer

Both: If by dailey supplements you mean the ingestible kind, you should ask your dentist first because too much ingested Fluoride can actually hurt you.  This kind only helps forming teeth.  The topical kind helps teeth already in the mouth.

Question 5

i was with a friend who was giving her child of 2years pediavit minimum (contains a,c, d, fluoride 0.25mg) instead of pediavit (only vit d) because she couldnt find at the drug store.i want to warn her but im not sure if im right. isnt f harmful?

Accepted Answer

Not particularly: If you live in an area where the water source has excess fluoride I would avoid it. However, in most locations that vitamin combination is the one often recommended by pediatricians. Fluoride in a proper amount helps create teeth that are not as prone to decay.

Question 6

is it possible for you to overdose on topical fluoride?

Accepted Answer

Sure: Highly unlikely unless you purposely eat the gel.. It would not be accidental. Estimated adult lethal dose is 5 to 10 grams of fluoride. Topical Fluoride strength is 1.23% by volume (0.0123). You would therefore have to ingest 400 to 800 grams of the gel, all at once (14 to 28 ounces). The teaspoon or so you put in your mouth during application will not harm you.

Question 7

what are the toxic effects of fluoride on dental tissue?

Accepted Answer

No decay: Floride makes teeth more resistant to decay. In excess it can discolor teeth. In a dose almost impossible to get it is toxic as is pure water.

Question 8

dentist put a coating of fluoride on my teeth. what is this for?

Accepted Answer

Topical Fluoride: It strengthens the surface of the enamel making it harder and more resistant to tooth decay. However, you still need to watch your diet (avoid sticky starchy foods high in unrefined sugar) and exercise proper oral hygiene with both tooth brushing and flossing after meals.

Question 9

can you overdose on topical fluoride?  if yes, what happens?

Accepted Answer

Patient support: Usually the affects of Fluoride overdose is being sick to your stomach. Vomiting and or diarrhea.  Supporting the patient with fluids and meds for nausea.

Question 10

is fluoride necessary in a toothpaste containing xylitol (emphasis here on controlling decay at margin crown edges)?

Accepted Answer

Helpful but...: Both xylitol and Fluoride in tooth pastes are helpful in reducing tooth decay but in different ways. Are they "necessary"?, no. They may be helpful. The best way to prevent tooth decay and have healthy gums is to brush and floss properly after meals and snacks and minimize sticky, sugary, starchy foods that cling to your teeth by choosing healthier substitutes.

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Doctor answers about:

Fluoride oral supplement medication

A member asked:

If i only drink bottled water, should i take a fluoride supplement too?

A member asked:

My daughter is 3 months old and is exclusively formula fed. when do i need to start using water with fluoride or fluoride supplements?

A member asked:

Is fluoride necessary to have good teeth? why do some dentists not recommend the supplements?

A member asked:

What is the best way for a young child to get flouride for their teeth, daily supplements or topical foam at the dentist's office?

A member asked:

I was with a friend who was giving her child of 2years pediavit minimum (contains a,c, d, fluoride 0.25mg) instead of pediavit (only vit d) because she couldnt find at the drug store.i want to warn her but im not sure if im right. isnt f harmful?

A member asked:

Is it possible for you to overdose on topical fluoride?

A member asked:

What are the toxic effects of fluoride on dental tissue?

A member asked:

Dentist put a coating of fluoride on my teeth. what is this for?

A member asked:

Can you overdose on topical fluoride? if yes, what happens?

A member asked:

Is fluoride necessary in a toothpaste containing xylitol (emphasis here on controlling decay at margin crown edges)?

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