Fluoride prophylaxis

Fluoride prophylaxis is endogenic (through internal intake of fluoride by food and drinks) or local (through applications of different pastes, gels, lacquers and solutions).

Fluoride can be taken through food or water around 0,2-0,3 mg per day. The acidic environment in the stomach ionizes it. Flioride ion is very small and passes through cellular membranes, gets resorbed into the blood and from here it enters to all body fluids – blood plasma, saliva, breast milk. 50% of it stored in mineralized tissues at the stage of their build-up and the rest 50% are excreted through the urine.

Through the internal take fluorapatite is formed. It is the compound that is most resistant to acids. This lays in th basis of caries prophylaxis. It stimulates the formation of bigger, more regular and more stable crystals.

Fluoride is beneficial when taken in quantity of 1 mg/day. Its increased intake can lead to the disease fluorosis.

In some areas fluoride in tap water is up to 4-4,5 mg/l which can cause fluorosis. Increased quantity of fluoride are in the contents of Bulgarian mineral waters Ovoshtnik (23,0 mg F/l), Hissar (4,7 mg F/l), Merichlery (5,7 mg F/l), Devin (4,0 mg F/l).

When tap water lacks fluoride, it can be additionally taken up to daily needs.

Local prophylaxis.

-       Local application of fluorides through gels and lacquers (performed by the dentist)

-       Brushing of the teeth with fluoride toothpastes

Fluoride prophylaxis is the main means to fight dental caries. It is provided in the first years of children’s life. This is among the reasons why every one-year-old child should visit a pediatric dentist.