Fluorine Application

Another procedure that is as striking as fissure application in the field of protective dentistry is fluorine application. Aiming to provide the most effective protection against caries, fluorine application is applied to deciduous and permanent teeth. It is also applied to people undergoing orthodontic treatment, with priority given to those in the high danger category in terms of caries. The aim is to prevent the development of caries in initial caries and to reverse this stage.

Fluorine is one of the seven trace elements that are vital for the human body.  Flour is the most important mineral used to prevent caries.   

Children's milk teeth are as important as permanent teeth . Topical fluoride application is applied to both milk teeth and permanent teeth in children. This procedure aims to make the teeth strong and highly resistant to decay. Fluorine is a substance that strengthens the tooth structure. When this substance is applied, it interacts with the organic structure of the tooth and increases its resistance to decay.

How to Prevent Caries with Fluorine Application

Fluorine-containing toothpastes play an effective role in preventing tooth decay. In people in the high and medium caries hazard category, regular fluoride application and good oral hygiene can greatly reduce caries.   

Regular daily use of fluoridated toothpastes leads to at least 20-40% reduction in dental caries. However, even if fluoride is applied, the most important point is to ensure that the child's oral hygiene is good. If the child's oral hygiene is maintained well after caries treatment and preventive treatments are applied, the child will be able to maintain oral and dental health for many years. Ensuring good oral hygiene requires good follow-up. Therefore, the control appointments given by the dentist should not be interrupted.

In what ways can fluorine application be done?

Fluorine treatment is applied systemically and topically. Systemic application works by spreading fluorine such as fluorine tablets and drops throughout the body. In these procedures, it is not preferred because it affects the whole body and the dose on the tooth is very low. The type of procedure that provides the most effective tooth protection is topical fluoride application, i.e. the application of fluorinated gels, foams or varnishes directly to the teeth.  

In the fluorine gel process, fluorine in gel form with different flavors and fragrances is dried and then applied to the teeth for 1-5 minutes with the help of carrier spoons. After the fluorine gel process, the intense fluorine in the mouth is absorbed by the saliva absorber, the fluorine remaining in the mouth must be spit out, so gel forms are not preferred for children under 6 years of age, as young children cannot fully provide this. In children aged 5 and under, fluorine varnish procedures are applied, which are intended to dry quickly by covering the teeth.

Is Fluoridation Harmful?

Fluor varnish application hardens when it comes into contact with saliva immediately after the fluoride is applied to the teeth, so the risk of ingestion and fluoride intoxication is very low. It can therefore be safely used even in children under 6 years of age.   

Ingestion of fluorine in doses of 2mg or more per day can lead to white spots on the teeth, i.e. fluorosis. However, it is not possible for your child to reach these doses by brushing with fluoridated toothpaste or applying fluorine varnish.     

Since the amount of fluorine in the pastes used by adults is intense for children, fluorine-containing paste suitable for the age of the child should be selected. In this regard, you can determine the paste suitable for the child by consulting your dentist.   

To prevent fluorine from causing adverse effects, it is important to make sure that the child uses the correct paste and that the child does not swallow the paste. Children up to 3 years of age should use a paste the size of a grain of rice, while children between 3 and 6 years of age should use a paste the size of a pea. However, putting the paste in the form of a swab on the top of the brush reduces the risk of swallowing the paste.