Over the decades, fluoride has become an important part of dental care, due to its ability to prevent tooth decay and strengthen enamel.

Studies show that fluoride can prevent and even reverse early stages of tooth decay.

Here's how it works:

1. Fluoride remineralises (strengthens) the tooth’s hard outer surface, called enamel. It makes enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.
2. Fluoride can slow down and reverse early tooth decay. People who have access to fluoridated water, or use fluoride-containing toothpaste, experience less tooth decay than those who don’t.
3. Fluoride prevents the growth of harmful, decay-causing bacteria.

Fluoride is a mineral found naturally throughout our environment, in places such as rocks, soil, natural water sources, plants and air.

• Natural water sources: Rainwater passes through rock minerals and soil that contains different concentrations of fluoride, so it is naturally present in all water sources.
• Dietary Sources: Many foods and drinks (like tea and coffee) naturally contain fluoride.

• Tap Water: Many countries around the world adjust the fluoride concentration of community drinking water to the recommended level for the prevention of tooth decay.
• Toothpaste: Many brands of toothpaste contain fluoride because of its well-established benefits for dental health.
• Dental Treatments: Dental professionals often use fluoride treatments, including varnishes, foams and gels. These treatments provide concentrated fluoride exposure to help prevent and treat tooth decay.

• 0-17 months – no fluoride toothpaste. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with water only
• 18 months to 5 years old - low-fluoride toothpaste (500ppm)
• Over 6 years of age – full-strength fluoride toothpaste (1000-1450ppm)

* Your dental professional may recommend a higher concentration of fluoride toothpaste to treat early signs of tooth decay.

It is also recommended to:

• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing, twice per day. Extra toothpaste has no benefits and you are more likely to swallow the toothpaste.
• Spit out rather than swallowing or rinsing out the toothpaste, especially at night. When the toothpaste stays in your mouth longer, it can provide more benefits.
• Not allow children under age 6 to use fluoride mouth rinses unless recommended by a dental professional. Fluoride mouth rinses don’t help in this age group and children are more likely to swallow excess fluoride.

Keep toothpaste tubes out of reach of young children. Your child may eat the tube of toothpaste and get sick.

Yes, adults can benefit from fluoride, too.

It is recommended that all adults should use a full strength fluoride toothpaste (1000-1450ppm), sometimes a dental professional will recommend a higher concentration. Some conditions may place adults at a higher risk of dental problems:

• Dry mouth (xerostomia) - a common side effect of an underlying problem or medical condition (such as diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, radiotherapy or a blocked nose) and certain medications (such as antihistamines or antidepressants).
• Dental erosion – the wearing away of tooth structure by acids contacting the teeth. This can be because of acids you eat or drink, or through gastric reflux.
• Tooth sensitivity – Pain or discomfort due to tooth enamel that’s worn down or tooth roots that become exposed. This could be caused from brushing your teeth too hard, using a hard toothbrush, tooth grinding or dental erosion.
• Gum disease – inflamed gums expose your teeth and gums to bacteria and increases your risk of tooth decay.
• Crowns, bridges, braces or dentures which may increase your risk of tooth decay, especially around orthodontic brackets or where your crown meets your tooth.

Yes, it is proven that when used properly, fluoride is safe and effective.

• At high doses, fluoride could contribute to health issues like dental fluorosis (a mild discoloration of the teeth), which is usually mild or rare in Australia.
• Toothpastes should not be left with infants or young children to play with, as excessive ingestion can cause illness.
• Extensive research shows that fluoride use is not associated with chronic health conditions.

Fluoridated water is strictly regulated to maintain safe levels. Organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and the Australian Dental Association all endorse water fluoridation as a safe, beneficial public health measure.

Not all water filters remove fluoride from tap water.

A specialised filter is required to remove fluoride. For example, one that uses reverse osmosis, distillation or activated alumina.

• Removing fluoride from tap water is not recommended as it will lose its benefits.
• Drinking fluoridated tap water is important for babies and young children. Their teeth are still developing and will benefit from fluoride making teeth stronger as they form.
• Older children and adults also benefit from fluoridated water with regular contact of low fluoride levels for teeth surfaces.

If you use rainwater for drinking and preparing food at home, there is no fluoride benefit from this water.

• It is not recommended to add fluoride to domestic tank water, as maintaining the concentration is difficult to achieve.
• Fluoride tablets are also no longer recommended in Australia as an alternative.
• If you use rainwater at home seek advice from your dental professional.

Your oral health is important to your general health and wellbeing.

Whether through tap water, toothpaste, or professional treatments, fluoride remains a valuable tool helping people of all ages maintain healthier smiles.

Ask your dental professional if you have any questions about fluoride, or what fluoride products may be suitable for you or your family.