Dental caries: Do fluoride tooth products prevent tooth decay in children and young people?
Fluoride tooth products, especially toothpaste, protect children against plaque and tooth decay. Tooth decay or dental caries is painful and can destroy teeth. It has been known for a long time that fluoride can strengthen teeth. That is why many dental products include small amounts of fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that also occurs naturally, for example in drinking water, mineral water and black tea. In some countries fluoride is also added to the community’s water supply. In Germany, you can get table salt which has been enriched with fluoride, as well as fluoride tablets. Fluoride can also have disadvantages for children. If they swallow too much, the fluoride inside their bodies can have a negative impact on the growth of their second set of teeth (permanent teeth). This happens most easily if they swallow products such as toothpaste or gels that are meant to be spat out. Typical signs include white, yellowish or brown patches on permanent teeth, as well as superficial damage. T
