Fluoride is well known, is the best friend of the teeth. Thanks to him, strengthens the enamel and reduce cavities. However, excess fluoride can cause white spots are harmless to health, but that would spoil the smile … Should we stop fluoride supplements? The French Union for Oral Health (the UFSBD) makes its first recommendations.

Fluoride helps strengthen the resistance of enamel to acid attack. This property has been for 30 years a key weapon for the improvement of the teeth of children and adolescents. Among the battery of measures adopted include the generalization of fluoridated toothpaste, the decision to fluoridate water in some states in the United States or Canada and that of adding fluoride to salt (since 1987 in France). The government has also encouraged parents to give their children fluoride tablets or drops. Better safe than sorry … the post was firmly told for years “Be attentive to the future of your children’s baby teeth, give them fluoride!”. This creed is no longer appropriate today …

The risk of “fluorosis”

A controversy was born in the United States a few years ago, has questioned the supplements in the form of tablets and drops. The overdose of fluoride can indeed cause white spots on teeth, “fluorosis”. Paradoxically, this condition affects the media pay more attention to dental hygiene and more favorable to the administration of fluoride, the wealthier classes who have diligently followed the instructions.

A study of the French Union Dental Oral allowed in 1998, relative to this risk. “It is low in France since the rate of children under 12 years affected by fluorosis is only 2.7%,” says its President, Dr. Patrick Hescot, also an expert of the World Health Organization. But to be tenuous, the risk is nonetheless to be considered. At the request of the Ministry of Health, UFSBD today published a series of recommendations on the subject.

A matter of dosage

The beneficial role of fluoride through toothpaste particular, should not be fundamentally challenged. However, it is essential to use with care supplements fluoride tablets, which must be reserved for children with high caries risk. They must be issued by the pediatrician, the doctor or dentist based on a specific individual fluoride balance. It should take into account the criteria as diverse as:

* The content of fluoride in tap water, mineral water used;
* The type of salt used;
* The products of oral hygiene used;
* Eating habits.

The UFSBD also recommends avoiding prenatal fluoride prescription drug during pregnancy and do not use fluoridated toothpaste before 3 years, then use a low fluoride toothpaste for children 3 to 6 years.

The tone is not in controversy in UFSBD and it is no question of storing the fluorine in the closet after years of loyal service. “It is simply reviewing the manner of use of fluoride, said Dr. Hescot, and book supplements in pill to children with high caries risk.” An evolution in terms of dental health has been permitted through the use mass of fluorine. Today, given the considerable improvement in the oral health of the French, it is time to refine its use.

What if fluorosis?

Tasks appear on your children’s teeth. The advice is common sense: go earlier than your dentist! Fluorosis is irreversible (enamel does not belong to reconstruct and return to its initial state), but its symptoms can be hidden through techniques of cosmetic dentistry. The dentist can also give you advice so that brothers and sisters of the child concerned keep themselves, teeth gleaming.

Not all individuals are candidates for teeth whitening because it is not recommended in patients with fillings, crowns and veneers on your front teeth. Bleaching will not change the color of these materials, making them more noticeable after the treatment. In these cases, seek other options.

Veneers are small pieces of porcelain that are cemented to the front of your teeth and are used when teeth have severe stains, are broken or deformed, creating a pleasant and lasting smile. Veneers are difficult to stain, and are popular among people looking to have a perfect smile.

There are two types of veneers:

* Veneers (indirect) porcelain, which first must be developed in the laboratory to adapt perfectly to your teeth and requires two visits to the dentist, the cost can range from $ 900 – $ 2,500 per tooth and last from 10 to 15 years or even more.

* Veneers (direct) resins, are placed in one visit. Resin veneers cost much less, around $ 250 per tooth, but only last five to seven years.

Composites are used to restore fractured teeth, for fillings, renovate or improve the way the color of your teeth. After applying a solution that takes a light engraving on the tooth surface, allowing the material to adhere to it, your dentist applies the resin, size, color and gives the right shape to their teeth to get the desired result. A high-intensity light hardens the material finally polished.

* Many people prefer composite fillings instead of because they look much more natural and can simulate the natural tooth color.
* The disadvantages with respect to cost is that composites are more expensive than amalgam (between $ 300 – $ 600 per tooth), are porous and smokers find that their teeth are turning yellow.

Your dentist will inform you if they are good candidates for veneers or fillings with composite.

Colgate

It is very important for the mother to take care of both their oral health and that of your baby. This care starts even before the baby is born. This guide brings important messages about oral health from pregnancy through two years of age.

Prenatal

* Control tooth.
Make a cleaning and evaluation of their teeth. Rest assured that whatever your dentist says is fact. The germs that cause decay can happen to her baby during pregnancy.

* Brush three times a day.
Brush teeth at least three times a day using a soft toothbrush. Be sure to place the bristles at the meeting point between the gums and teeth: this is where gingivitis starts.

* Floss daily.
Use dental floss daily to get to where the brush does not reach.

* Limit foods containing starches and sugars.
Starchy foods and sugars can cause your teeth suffer from “acid attacks”. Sweets and soft drinks may be the cause, eat more fruits and vegetables.

* Prenatal testing.
Follow the advice of your doctor. It is important for both you and your baby.

* Get adequate amounts of calcium.
You need calcium to form their baby teeth. Milk, cheese, vegetables and leafy greens are good sources of calcium.