All About Fluoride Deficiency: Signs, Prevention, and Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral necessary for the healthy formation of bones and teeth. However, our bodies don’t always take in sufficient amounts of fluoride, which causes fluoride deficiency. 

The condition can affect your overall oral health and make your teeth more prone to cavities and decay. The good news is that you can prevent or remedy this problem with help from fluoride treatment. This article will discuss the signs of fluoride deficiency and the different types of preventive fluoride treatment you can try. Let’s dive in!

Signs of Fluoride Deficiency 

  • Dental Caries – The formation of dental caries or cavities is the most common effect of fluoride deficiency, affecting 2.4 billion adults and 486 million children globally, according to the WHO

Inadequate fluoride can cause tooth enamel to break down and increase the spread of harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to cavities and decay. Thankfully, studies have found that water fluoridation and other fluoride treatments can lessen the risk of tooth decay in children’s teeth by 18% to 40%.

  • Weak Bones –  Fluoride deficiency doesn’t just affect teeth; it can also lead to brittle bones. One study suggested that drinking fluoridated water helped people strengthen their bones, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of hip and spine fractures. Another NIH study found a link between fluoride exposure and stimulated bone formation.

The Different Types of Fluoride Treatment 

There are various fluoride treatment types, including water fluoridation, professionally applied treatments, and home remedies.

Community Water Fluoridation

Fluoridation, which is the act of adjusting the amount of fluoride in a community’s public water supplies to an optimal level, is seen as one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to address fluoride deficiency. It is recommended by nearly all public health organizations, including the ADA, WHO, and CDC.

Since fluoride is already naturally present in groundwater, fluoridation merely acts as a fortifying measure similar to how milk is fortified with Vitamin D or table salt with iodine. Both children and adults, no matter their income or education, benefit from community water fluoridation. In fact, research shows that drinking fluoridated water lessens tooth decay by about 25% in people of all age ranges. 

Professionally Applied Fluoride Treatments for Teeth

For fluoride deficiency that gravely affects the health of your teeth, you can opt for fluoride treatment by visiting your dentist. According to the ADA, a wide range of professionally applied fluorides, such as mouth rinses, gels, foams, prophylaxis pastes, and varnishes, will be applied to your teeth directly by a dental professional. 

Some dentists may also prescribe fluoride supplements that can be taken at home. The type of treatment and amount of fluoride given will depend on your particular needs. So, make sure to inform your dentist about your health history so that they can prescribe the treatment that’s right for you.

What to Do After Teeth Fluoride Treatment

The answer depends on the specific type of fluoride used by your dentist. For instance, with some fluoride treatments, you will need to refrain from eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to sink in. Your best course of action is to ask your dentist and follow their instructions closely.

Home Remedies for Fluoride Deficiency Affecting Teeth

  • Fluoride Mouth Rinse – One notable home remedy for fluoride deficiency is using a fluoride mouth rinse, typically intended for either daily or weekly use. Remember, however, that this concentrated solution must be rinsed and spit out, so it may not be the best fluoride treatment for children younger than six years old who might instinctively swallow the rinse.
  • Fluoride Toothpaste or Tooth Gel – The simplest way to prevent fluoride deficiency is by brushing your teeth with toothpaste or tooth gel that contains the right amount of fluoride. Make sure to choose quality fluoride toothpaste from trusted brands, ideally one that’s formulated to clean hard-to-reach areas and promote fresh breath.
  • High-Fluoride Drinks – Another known home remedy for fluoride deficiency is drinking beverages high in fluoride. Some examples include black tea, wine, grape juice, coffee, and soda.

Find the Fluoride Toothpaste That Works Best for You!

Remember: When it comes to your oral health, prevention is better than cure. So, if you want to avoid teeth problems due to fluoride deficiency and stay on top of your dental health, brush your teeth with the fluoride gel toothpaste from PRO-SYS. 
With fluoride and mint combination, this toothgel refreshes your breath and shields your teeth from tooth decay at the same time. Experience the difference this at-home remedy can make for your oral hygiene!

Does Tooth Gel Work Better Than A Regular Toothpaste?

Consumers regard toothpaste as a necessary part of their daily oral care routine. Toothpaste was, in fact, the eighth leading health and beauty product category in the United States. It is, indeed, an in-demand and fast-moving product and consumers are spoilt for choice, with the several brands and variants on grocery aisles. 

But how do they know which one is worth their money? 

In this article, we’ll talk about the varying characteristics of a toothpaste and a tooth gel, and which gives you more bang for your buck. What’s more, we’ll also discuss other things you should consider when choosing the right brand for you.

Tooth gel and Toothpaste: What’s the Difference?

Toothpaste is a type of cleaning agent or dentifrice for the teeth. Its main component is fluoride. Fluoride is an active ingredient in toothpaste that strengthens the tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay.

A conventional toothpaste has a solid color and thicker texture. The product creates more foam and has a mintier flavor, that’s why more consumers prefer it. This effect tends to give a cleaner feel to the user.

On the other hand, gel toothpaste is made from silica, which gives it a glassy appearance and smooth texture. It is also less abrasive, which is why it creates less foam and splatter. Compared to a paste, tooth gel has a less minty aftertaste.

The table below summarizes the differences between the two:

PasteGel
AppearanceSolid in colorTranslucent
TextureThickSmooth
TasteMintierLess mint flavor
AbrasivenessCreates more foamProduces less foam

Tooth gel and Toothpaste: Which Should You Choose?

Deciding whether to use toothpaste or tooth gel depends on personal preference. However, it’s advisable to choose a gel-based dentifrice because of its less-abrasive formula. Here’s why:

  • Foamier paste tends to wear away the tooth enamel. This can lead to tooth decay. 
  • Gel-type dentifrice has a gentler impact on tooth enamel. It is more suitable for children, people who have enamel defects, and those with sensitive teeth and gums.

Knowing which works best, depends on an individual’s oral health. Make sure to seek your dentist’s recommendation.

Other Factors to Consider

You now have a better understanding of the differences between a tooth gel or paste. But if there’s one more thing you need to look at, that’s the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is given to oral care products that adhere to safety and potency criteria for toothpaste. ADA evaluates products based on: 

  • The fluoride amount
  • The discharge of fluoride within a minute
  • The fluoride absorption by both a healthy and weakened tooth enamel

The program requires that manufacturers comply with the following specifications:

  • All dentifrice with the ADA Seal of Acceptance must have fluoride.
  • Other than fluoride, toothpaste may include additional active ingredients to help:
    • Reduce tooth sensitivity
    • Whiten teeth
    • Reduce tartar build-up or gingivitis
    • Avoid enamel demineralization or bad breath
  • Flavoring factors that contribute to tooth decay, such as sugar, are not allowed in any ADA-Accepted toothpaste.
  • A toothpaste earns the ADA Seal of Acceptance by demonstrating safety and efficacy. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs thoroughly assesses a product based on the objective qualifications.

To properly care for your teeth, don’t just brush them with whatever’s available. Choose an ADA-accepted toothpaste for safer and effective teeth cleaning. 

Does brand matter?

Besides looking at ADA recommendations, it’s best to opt for an esteemed and trusted brand. You cannot go wrong with PRO-SYS.

PRO-SYS toothpaste is rated by ADA as safe and efficient for oral care. PRO-SYS offers the best toothpaste for whitening teeth available on the market and online. We also have children-friendly products like the PRO-SYS bubble gum gel toothpaste for kids.

So don’t just buy a tooth gel or toothpaste. Shop for PRO-SYS oral care brand! Don’t take our words alone; experience PRO-SYS for good oral health! Shop now