Diet and Fluoride for Dental Health

Diet and Dental Health

A healthy and balanced diet plays a vital role in maintaining dental health. It is recommended to avoid snacking between meals, especially sweet and sticky foods, as these foods contribute to the formation of plaque. The digestion process begins in the mouth, where enzymes in saliva interact with food debris, creating plaque. This plaque contains acids that attack the enamel of the teeth and can damage the exposed surfaces of the roots. To prevent enamel destruction, it is important to remove plaque within 30 minutes after eating.

Fluoride and its role in prevention

Fluorides are natural compounds that are found in small quantities in the human body. Their direct effect on teeth helps to effectively prevent the development of caries. The main functions of fluorides:

• Strengthening enamel and increasing its resistance to acids.
• Slowing down decalcification of enamel by bacteria found in plaque.
• Stimulating remineralization of the surface layers of enamel.

Since the amount of fluoride in drinking water and food is usually insufficient for natural protection of teeth, it is recommended to use oral hygiene products enriched with fluorides. Products such as fluoride toothpastes are available to everyone to buy in Ukraine.

Recommendations for the use of fluorides

Fluorides can be introduced into the body in various ways:

1. Using fluoride toothpaste:
• For children from the moment the first baby tooth appears, children's toothpaste containing fluoride is recommended 0.025% F⁻.
• After the first permanent molars appear (around age 6) — regular toothpaste with a fluoride content of up to 0.15% F⁻.

It is important to spit out the toothpaste after brushing your teeth without rinsing your mouth to prolong the effect of the fluoride.

2. Using a fluoride gel:

For people at high risk of developing caries, it is recommended to use a fluoride gel (1.25% F⁻) once a week, especially in the evening before bed. After applying the gel, do not eat or drink for one hour.

3. Rinsing your mouth with fluoride-containing solutions:

For additional protection, you can use solutions containing fluoride 0.02–0.03% F⁻. However, they are less effective than gels and do not replace the use of a toothbrush.

Fluoride prophylaxis for patients with orthodontic appliances

Patients with braces or other orthodontic appliances are recommended to rinse their mouth with fluoride solutions daily after brushing their teeth. This will help prevent plaque buildup around the appliances and protect the enamel.

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