A Word with Dr. Tina S. Merhoff DDS
Dr. Tina S Merhoff helping one of her patients
Tina S. Merhoff DDS
Tina S. Merhoff & Associates Pediatric Dentistry
Q- "How would you say fluoridated products help us?"
A- "Fluoride has mainly helped in the reduction of cavities. When fluoride is consumed in the drinking tap water it is absorbed systemically which helps in the development of teeth and occurs in the mouth in our saliva to reduce cavities. Typically, the most amount of fluoride is found in the following products: tap water that fluoride has been added to (typically city water) and toothpaste. Most bottle waters have unknown fluoride levels, these levels are dependent on the location of the well and if fluoride is naturally occurring in that region."
Q- "How exactly does fluoride work in your opinion?"
A- "Fluoride in optimal levels is essential in the development of teeth. When a person uses the toothpaste with fluoride and drinks the water that has fluoride added to it, but does not brush their teeth on a consistent basis or drinks high sugar drinks, low pH level cavities can still occur. This is why we encourage healthy home care habits and nutritional counseling every six months. The fluoride is absorbed in the body and low levels of fluoride are found in the saliva. This helps control the rate at which cavities develop."
Q-"Have you ever had a patient that has suffered negative effects of fluoride?"
A- "The primary negative effect of fluoride is consuming too much fluoride, which results in fluorosis. Usually this occurs when a tooth that is developing is exposed to too much fluoride. The main reason for over exposure is swallowing toothpaste while utilizing other fluoridated products. Fluorosis is when the the tooth is slightly altered in appearance varying the colors of the enamel."
Q- "Do you recommend using fluoridated water?"
A- "We recommend the use of fluoride water, which can be found in city water. However, if you have well water, we recommend using nursery water or other forms of water that is fluoridated. We also advise that children should not use toothpaste that contains fluoride until they are able to expectorate (spit) and not swallow any. The ultimate goal is for every patient to have a form of systemic fluoride."
Q-" Do you have any interesting facts or stories you would like to share?"
A- "We find that at times parents fear fluoride because they have insufficient information about the product. Our goal is to thoroughly educate every parent regarding their child so they understand how to manage any possible risks while being informed of the benefits and understanding why fluoride is such a vital part of every child's oral health."
Tina S. Merhoff & Associates Pediatric Dentistry
Q- "How would you say fluoridated products help us?"
A- "Fluoride has mainly helped in the reduction of cavities. When fluoride is consumed in the drinking tap water it is absorbed systemically which helps in the development of teeth and occurs in the mouth in our saliva to reduce cavities. Typically, the most amount of fluoride is found in the following products: tap water that fluoride has been added to (typically city water) and toothpaste. Most bottle waters have unknown fluoride levels, these levels are dependent on the location of the well and if fluoride is naturally occurring in that region."
Q- "How exactly does fluoride work in your opinion?"
A- "Fluoride in optimal levels is essential in the development of teeth. When a person uses the toothpaste with fluoride and drinks the water that has fluoride added to it, but does not brush their teeth on a consistent basis or drinks high sugar drinks, low pH level cavities can still occur. This is why we encourage healthy home care habits and nutritional counseling every six months. The fluoride is absorbed in the body and low levels of fluoride are found in the saliva. This helps control the rate at which cavities develop."
Q-"Have you ever had a patient that has suffered negative effects of fluoride?"
A- "The primary negative effect of fluoride is consuming too much fluoride, which results in fluorosis. Usually this occurs when a tooth that is developing is exposed to too much fluoride. The main reason for over exposure is swallowing toothpaste while utilizing other fluoridated products. Fluorosis is when the the tooth is slightly altered in appearance varying the colors of the enamel."
Q- "Do you recommend using fluoridated water?"
A- "We recommend the use of fluoride water, which can be found in city water. However, if you have well water, we recommend using nursery water or other forms of water that is fluoridated. We also advise that children should not use toothpaste that contains fluoride until they are able to expectorate (spit) and not swallow any. The ultimate goal is for every patient to have a form of systemic fluoride."
Q-" Do you have any interesting facts or stories you would like to share?"
A- "We find that at times parents fear fluoride because they have insufficient information about the product. Our goal is to thoroughly educate every parent regarding their child so they understand how to manage any possible risks while being informed of the benefits and understanding why fluoride is such a vital part of every child's oral health."