Fluoride 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What You Need to Know

Want the fluoride 101? The team at Newnham Dental are here to clean your teeth and educate at the same time! Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, certain foods, and toothpaste. It’s been used for decades in dentistry because of its powerful ability to protect and strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride is added to water, and toothpaste, to assist with the prevention of tooth decay.

Minerals play a huge part in building and maintaining various bodily functions such as strong bones, including your teeth.

In the simplest terms, fluoride helps rebuild the minerals in your teeth and makes them more resistant to acid attacks caused by bacteria and sugar. Keep reading below to get the Fluoride 101!

Where is Fluoride Found?

You’ve likely encountered fluoride in three main ways:

Toothpaste: Most over-the-counter options include fluoride.
Tap water: Many Australian communities add safe levels of fluoride to local water supplies.
Dental treatments: Your dentist may apply high-concentration fluoride as a varnish or gel.

Why Is Fluoride So Important for Your Teeth?

Every day, your teeth go through a process called demineralisation and remineralisation. Acids from plaque and sugary foods can wear down enamel. But fluoride helps reverse this damage by speeding up remineralisation, essentially repairing the early stages of tooth decay before a cavity can form.

Fluoride is even more vital in children. It strengthens developing teeth before they erupt and provides long-term protection. That’s why most dental professionals recommend fluoride use starting from an early age.

At Newnham Family Dental, we see firsthand how regular fluoride use leads to fewer cavities, less invasive treatments, and healthier smiles across all ages.

Is Fluoride Safe?

Yes, when used as recommended, fluoride is extremely safe and highly effective. Concerns around fluoride often stem from misinformation or confusion about dosage. The key is balance.

Fluoride helps us to maintain healthy strong bones, regulate fluid balance and turn food into fuel (or energy!).

Here’s what you should know:

Fluoride in tap water is regulated and added in safe, low levels.
Fluoride toothpaste is safe for daily use, even for kids, when used with supervision.
Dental treatments are applied by professionals and offer targeted safe doses.

The only real risk occurs with overexposure which usually occurs from swallowing large amounts of fluoride toothpaste, particularly in young children.

To avoid this, always use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for kids under six and encourage them to spit, not swallow.

If you’re ever unsure about the right amount of fluoride for your family, just ask us. We’re here to guide you.

Who Benefits from Fluoride?

Everyone benefits from fluoride.

Children, teens, adults, and seniors all benefit from fluoride, though the way it helps may vary by life stage.

Children: Protects developing teeth and reduces the risk of cavities.
Adults: Helps maintain strong enamel and prevent new decay.
Seniors: Can reduce root decay and tooth sensitivity that often come with age.

People with braces, dry mouth, or a history of frequent cavities may also benefit from extra fluoride care, such as prescription toothpaste or in-office fluoride applications.

Keep Your Family Smiling with Smart, Simple Prevention

Fluoride isn’t just a dental “add-on”. It’s a foundational part of good oral health. At Newnham Family Dental, we believe in prevention-first care.

That means equipping families with the right tools, knowledge, and treatments to stop problems before they start.

If you’re unsure whether you or your children are getting the right amount of fluoride, let’s chat at your next visit. We offer personalised fluoride treatments and expert guidance tailored to every age and stage.