Enamel, the outer layer of a tooth, is made of closely packed mineralized crystals, every day these minerals are lost and gained from the Enamel, losing minerals is called demineralization and gaining them back is called remineralization. Demineralization begins with the bacteria found in the oral cavity which feed on sugar and other carbohydrates in your mouth and produce acids which dissolve crystals in tooth enamel which is highly mineralized. The loss of enamel is balanced by remineralization. In this process, minerals in the saliva, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, are deposited back into the enamel. Fluoride applied to the outer layer of the teeth helps to speedup remineralization. Fluoride treatments, applied in the dental office, also are strong enough to disrupt the production of acids by bacteria in neutral pH.  

Topical:

  1. Applied directly to the tooth
  2. Shorter duration
  3. Include toothpaste, mouthrinse professionally applied fluoride treatments

Professional:

  1. Treatments are given in dental offices                                                                                                        
  2. Applied as gel, foam or varnish 

Supplements:

  1. Available by prescription                                                                                                                     
  2. Given in age from 6 months to 16 years                                                                                          
  3. Reserved for children who live in areas where water supply doesn't contain enough                              fluoride  

Who needs them? 

Children between 6 months and 16 years old who do not drink fluoridated water should take fluoride supplements. They are available as liquids for younger children and tablets for older children. Either your paediatrician or your dentist can prescribe them. If your child has had cavities or is at high risk of tooth decay, he or she should use extra fluoride. This will promote remineralization. Fluoride mouth rinses are recommended for children over the age of 6. They are found in the mouthwash section of most stores. Your dentist can prescribe fluoride rinses and gels if your child needs a higher level of fluoride. Carefully supervise your children when they use any fluoride product. Keep fluoride out of reach of young children.

Benefits:         

  1. Considerably cheaper           
  2. Reverse earlier caries          
  3. Prevent cavities