Fluoride is known to reduce tooth decay by up to 60%. At Longwood House we encourage the use of fluoride as it has many benefits when used correctly.

What are the benefits of fluoride?

Fluoride is added into toothpaste and into water in many parts of the world. The reason for this is that it has been scientifically proven and clinically observed to:

1. strengthen the enamel of the teeth
2. Make teeth more resistant to tooth decay
3. Decrease the chance of tooth decay
4. And even stop existing decay from getting any worse.

What forms of fluoride can the dentist apply to my teeth? 

When a dentist notices you are at risk of developing decay or have had a significant amount of decay in the past, then they will advice you to have additional fluoride treatment.

The types of advice and treatments they can do for you are as follows:

1. They will advise you to stop snacking with sweet items
2. They will ask you to decrease or eliminate sugar consumption
3. They will advice you on changing your regular toothpaste to ones with more fluoride ppm.
4. They can or the hygienist can apply a fluoride coating called a varnish with a brush on to your teeth every 3 to 6 months ( at longwood we use a product proven to reduce decay - Nupro Varnish)

The best time to apply this varnish is straight after hygiene clean of the teeth - this application is easy and quick and extremely beneficial to all ages from 5 years and above.

1. Mouth trays can be made for you and the varnish or fluoride pastes can be smeared on the teeth and the trays worn over the top all night or for a couple of hours to increase the effectiveness.
2. Regenerate treatment - USING NEW NR-5™ TECHNOLOGY. This is the only way to regenerate the surface enamel of teeth. The structure of enamel is replaced with similar chemicals that are found in enamel.

REGENERATE SERUM has a multitude of benefits: 

Repairs enamel in damaged teeth from wear and tear

Repairs enamel in damaged teeth from acid erosion

Reduces sensitive teeth by adding the protective effects of enamel

Reduces the damage to enamel on teeth by plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay

Regenerate is available from the dentists and hygienist at Longwood House.

1. If you want to protect the teeth further from developing tooth decay – then ask your dentist for FISSURE SEALANTS. This is a special varnish that is applied to the teeth into the deep pits and fissures, where the food tends to get packed when eating. They can reduce the risk of decay by up to 80%.

Is fluoride dangerous? 

We often hear that we shouldn’t have fluoride added to our drinking water or in our toothpastes.

I will explain this: -

Fluorine, Chlorine, Iodine are examples of the elements found naturally on earth. All are toxic or poisonous and highly reactive.

However if they are combined – they produce very useful and safe items for us to use . For example Sodium combined with Chorine produces Sodium Chloride which is Table salt !

Iodine is added to table salt to reduce Thyroid problems in humans!

And Fluorine is toxic but Fluoride is not!