Everyone is familiar with dental caries. Many regions in China are still high-fluoride areas, and children growing up in these areas often develop dental caries if their drinking water is not treated. However, because it is so common, it is often overlooked. Can fluoride toothpaste effectively prevent dental caries?
[Can fluoride toothpaste effectively prevent dental caries?]
Using fluoride toothpaste with a high-quality toothbrush can enhance the antibacterial plaque effect, protect teeth from acid produced by bacteria, transform the hydroxyapatite structure of tooth enamel into more acid-resistant fluorapatite, and also repair enamel that has been damaged by acid.
If the fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash is to be absorbed by the body, it needs to be swallowed. This can lead to fluoride overdose, although it is not that easy. However, considering that children are prone to swallowing toothpaste foam, some dentists in China believe that children under 3 years old should not use fluoride toothpaste. However, the guidelines of the American Dental Association state that as soon as a baby's first tooth erupts, fluoride toothpaste should be used.
Professor Zheng Shuguo, Director of the Prevention Department at Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, believes that fluoride toothpaste is beneficial for teeth and that the fluoride content within the national standard range is safe. Even if we step back and say that the fluoride content in children's toothpaste is already low, and the toothpaste stays in the mouth for a short time. When children have developed good rinsing ability, there is no need to worry too much about using fluoride toothpaste.
[Methods for preventing dental caries]
1. Eat less sugar or sugary snacks.
After eating candy or snacks high in sucrose, if teeth are not cleaned promptly, the bacteria in the mouth will quickly convert the sugar and starch particles into acidic substances, thus damaging the tooth enamel. Eating less sugar or sugary snacks is necessary to maintain dental health.
2. Regular dental check-ups.
Caries is a chronic disease. Under the combined effect of various cariogenic factors mentioned above, caries will appear in about a year and a half. Regular visits to the dentist for oral examinations can help understand the oral and dental health conditions, receive timely treatment, and prevent the further development of caries.
3. Healthy eating habits.
Calcium is an important component of tooth tissue, and the development of baby teeth also relies on calcium. Pay attention to obtaining calcium from a variety of foods, such as milk, cheese, and green vegetables, which are beneficial to dental health.
[What to do if you have dental caries?]
1. For early-stage dental caries (white spot stage), repair can be done through regular use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, as well as regular fluoride application by a dentist.
2. When caries has not affected the dental pulp, simple filling is sufficient to solve the problem.
3. If the disease progresses to pulpitis or periapical periodontitis, root canal treatment is required, followed by crown placement to protect the tooth, thus preserving the functionality of the tooth.
Root canal treatment requires 2-3 follow-up visits, with a one-week interval. The time, effort, and cost required from the patient are much greater compared to simple fillings.
