Fluoride is the bacteria-repelling weapon that comes in a tube. So then, how effective is fluoride-enhanced toothpaste?

Fluoride works in a couple different ways.

1.    It reduces the mineral loss from the tooth surface during an acid attack by germs. These are the germs that cause plaque and cause tooth decay.
2.    Fluoride also repairs the decay that has already been started.

Fluoride first came about in the 1950s. Since the introduction of fluoride, dental decay has decreased 50%. There are studies that have shown that between two different groups, those that used a fluoride paste had 24% less cavities and decay than the group that used a non-fluoride paste.

In many countries, fluoride toothpaste is the only fluoride available to help with cavities. The use of fluoride has decreased cavities and decay all over the world. The goal of many organizations is to work to get fluoride to the areas of the world that do not have the luxury of having fluoride to prevent the tooth decay.

Fluoride toothpastes are only as effective as the total oral hygiene process that is involved. So with your toothpaste, it is important to floss, brush and eat a healthy diet.

The total effectiveness of the fluoride toothpaste depends on the amount of fluoride that is actually in the toothpaste, the higher the level of fluoride; the more effective the toothpaste will be against fighting cavities.

Toothpastes that are extremely high in fluoride are usually ones that are prescribed by a dentist and are considered medications. These medicines are usually used for people with severe decay, immune deficiencies or the elderly.

Even if there is fluoride in your water, it is important to use fluoride toothpaste. After a child is two years old they should start using fluoride toothpaste. Until the age of 5-7 the child should be assisted in brushing in order to prevent too much fluoride consumption.

Fluoride is the same as any other vitamin or mineral, they are good for you and safe at the recommended amounts. If there is too much used, it can discolor teeth.

Depending on the fluoride available in your child's water, food, or supplements, you may have to adjust the amount of fluoride that you get in the toothpaste you use for them. The amount of fluoride for a child who regularly has fluoride would be around 600 ppm and if the child has no fluoride the amount would be around 1000 ppm.

Fluoride toothpaste is one of the most proven options for strengthening your teeth with fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste is regarded as an important measure used for the public health.

If you were bacteria on a tooth or in a mouth, with the beginning sign of fluoride paste on a brush you would run. This is the way it really is. The bacteria in your mouth will form small areas of weakness on your teeth. After some time, the weakened area is bombarded with bacteria over and over and then it becomes decay and cavities.

Fluoride enhanced toothpaste becomes the fighting power that protects the teeth from the bacteria. This is the main reason that fluoride toothpaste is effective against decay and cavities.

Talk to your dentist to find out what the recommended amount of fluoride in your area. Then you will be able to pickup the best fluoride enhanced toothpaste for you and your family.