Information

Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is naturally found in water in varying amounts.

Fluoride can greatly reduce tooth decay by making the enamel stronger. Fluoride also helps early enamel decay to repair.

The naturally occurring fluoride levels in the water supply for this area of Kent are about 0.13 ppm (parts per million). For optimum dental health it should be 1 ppm.

From extensive evidence based research the Department of Health recommends that everyone should use a toothpaste with a fluoride content of 1350 to 1500ppm. You will find this information on the back of the packaging in the list of ingredients.

Brush twice a day, and spit out excess paste, do not rinse away with water afterwards so that the fluoride has time to soak into your teeth.

Studies show that if you are a ‘once a day’ brusher you will have twice as much decay as people who brush ‘twice a day’. Brushing more than twice a day, although not harmful, appears to make little difference to levels of decay for most people.

Children and Toddlers under 6 years of age

From extensive evidence based research the Department of Health recommends all children to use an adult toothpaste containing at least 1350ppmF from the moment teeth start to come through. This should be a smear across the small headed toothbrush for a 6 months old , increasing to a small pea size amount for a 3 to 6 year old. Brushing should be supervised twice a day, with one of the brushings just before bed time. Please keep toothpaste out of reach of young children.

Fluoride in the water

Recent legislation will permit the addition of Fluoride to the water supply. Although some people have concerns about the safety of fluoride extensive scientific research shows that this is very safe and will be very beneficial to dental health.

For further information please go to the BDHF (British Dental Health Foundation) website.

Fluoride in Toothpaste

The amount of fluoride in your toothpaste will be shown under the list of ingredients as ppmF on the side of the tube and on the packaging. Look for toothpastes containing at least 1350ppmF.

Information

Fluoride

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