Fluoride is a cornerstone of preventive dental care and a key ingredient in protecting against tooth decay and strengthening tooth enamel. Despite its widespread use in fluoride toothpastes, fluoride varnishes, and public water supplies, many people still have questions about how it works, its safety, and how often we should use it.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and certain foods. Stannous fluoride (SnF2), also known as tin fluoride, is a widely recognised compound that has been incorporated into toothpaste formulations since the early 1940s. Its primary benefit in oral health is helping to prevent and reverse early signs of tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel. This makes it more resistant to acid attacks from cavity-causing bacteria and acidic foods.
Fluoride strengthens the enamel — the hard, outer layer of your teeth — by helping it rebuild after everyday wear, making it more resistant to acid attacks from food, plaque, and bacteria.
When fluoride is present at optimal levels, it becomes a powerful preventive tool against dental decay—especially when combined with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, fluoride can help reduce discomfort. It works by reinforcing the outer surface of the tooth (enamel), making it more resistant to stimuli like hot, cold, or sweet foods that trigger pain. That’s why fluoride varnishes and fluoride gels are often recommended during dental check-ups for patients with sensitive teeth.
Some people may have exposed roots as gums recede from the tooth. Fluoride helps in defending against gum disease by minimising plaque buildup and making it harder for cavity-causing bacteria to stick to teeth. Keeping enamel strong means teeth are better protected as the gums naturally recede with age or inflammation.
For those with dry mouth, a condition where the mouth produces less saliva, fluoride is especially valuable. Saliva normally helps neutralise acids and repair early signs of decay. When saliva is low, the risk of tooth decay increases. Using fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride mouth rinses, or receiving professional fluoride treatments can help maintain protection against decay in these situations.
Using fluoride-containing toothpaste on a daily basis is one of the simplest ways to protect your teeth. When combined with regular dental cleaning and flossing, fluoride toothpaste helps fight plaque bacteria and protect the outer surface of your teeth.
People who are more prone to gum disease, tooth sensitivity, or have orthodontic appliances may benefit from additional fluoride options such as:
These fluoride products are often recommended during dental consultations, especially when discussing strategies for reducing the risk for cavities. Below is a comparison of these forms.
|
|
Toothpaste |
Fluoride Gel |
Fluoride Varnish |
|
Form |
Paste or gel |
Gel |
Viscous varnish |
|
Fluoride Absorption |
Moderate |
High |
Very high (slow release over time) |
|
Frequency |
Daily |
Every 3-6 months |
Every 3-6 months |
|
Recommended For |
General use, cavity prevention |
Moderate-risk patients |
High-risk patients |
|
Who Applies It |
Self-applied |
Dental professional at a dental clinic |
Dental professional at a dental clinic |
|
Fluoride Concentration (ppm = parts per million) |
1,000 - 1,500 ppm |
12,300 ppm |
22,600 ppm |
In Singapore, fluoridation of the public water supply has been implemented since 1958 as a national public health measure. The water is fluoridated to an optimal level of about 0.6 parts per million (ppm), which effectively helps reduce the risk of tooth decay among both children and adults. Community water fluoridation is considered one of the most effective and equitable public health measures in modern history.
For children, fluoride is essential during tooth development. It helps strengthen both primary teeth (baby teeth) and permanent teeth, reducing the risk of decay in children as they grow. That’s why a visit to a kids dentist is a great opportunity to ensure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride in a safe and effective way.
To prevent dental fluorosis—a condition caused by too much fluoride during early childhood—it’s important to:
Looking to book a dental check up for your little one? Simply leave us a message here and we will be right with you!
In addition to fluoride, some toothpastes are formulated as remineralizing toothpaste. These products help rebuild weakened enamel by delivering minerals like calcium and phosphate back into the tooth surface.
While fluoride remains the most researched and effective ingredient for caries prevention, remineralizing toothpastes are often recommended for people experiencing early stages of enamel erosion or sensitivity. Your dental consultation is a good time to ask if such products are right for you.
Read more about remineralizing toothpastes here.
The key to fluoride’s effectiveness is using the right amount. Excessive fluoride intake, especially in young children, can lead to white spots or more visible enamel fluorosis. While generally cosmetic, it can be prevented with the correct use of fluoride-based toothpaste and professional treatments.
Always consult your dental professional before using dietary fluoride supplements, especially if you’re using filtration systems that remove fluoride from your community water systems.
Did you know those white spots on your teeth can actually be treated without drilling?
There’s a gentle, no-drill solution called Icon resin infiltration that helps blend those spots into your natural tooth colour. It’s a quick, minimally invasive procedure for white spots caused by braces, early decay, or even mild fluorosis.
Incorporating fluoride into your oral care routine, whether through fluoride toothpastes, fluoridated water, or professional fluoride treatments is one of the effective ways to protect your teeth from decay and maintain long-term dental health.
With consistent care and the right fluoride use, you’re well on your way to a strong, cavity-resistant, and healthy smile.
If you’re unsure whether you’re using the right amount, or if you need additional fluoride treatments, schedule a dental check-up with us and our dentists can help you understand your individual needs.
Dr. Bernard Siew is a Malaysian-born Australian who grew up in Adelaide, South Australia, and has spent the past 25 years practicing dentistry in Singapore.
Dr. Siew's focus is in family, restorative, and reconstructive dentistry with a passion in combining function and aesthetics. Over the last decade, he has focused on preventive and conservative dental care, including published research on remineralising agents to prevent dental disease. He is also the only practicing dentist in the international Hydroxyapatite Research Group.
Dr. Siew emphasizes personalised care, helping patients integrate effective habits and routines into their daily oral health regimen. He believes that a healthy mouth reflects overall well-being. He offers a full range of dental treatments, from oral assessments and dental fillings to dental implants and dentures.