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Fluoridation of drinking waterOldest form of collective caries prophylaxis. In common use in the USA since the 1940s, where some 110 million people regularly drink fluoridated water. The optimal concentration for caries prophylaxis is 1 ppm fluoride = 1 milligram of fluoride per litre of water. In Switzerland, drinking water is currently fluoridated only in the Canton of Basel-Stadt. | |
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FluorideIn oral and dental care preparations, fluorides perform three important functions to help preserve dental health:
– They promote the reincorporation of enamel constituents in the tooth and thus prevent the formation of "holes", which then require treatment. Incipient damage can be cured completely by fluoride administration.
– Bacteria in dental plaque convert the sugar ingredients of food into acids, which then dissolve the enamel. Fluorides are incorporated in the enamel to make it more resistant to these acid attacks.
– Finally, fluorides inhibit the metabolism of these plaque bacterial and thereby reduce the production of harmful acids.
The elmex amine fluorides are organic fluoride compounds that provide particularly effective caries protection. The amine fluorides also inhibit acid production by plaque bacteria and the formation of new plaque. | |
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Fluoride depotParticularly stable fluoride-containing outer covering of enamel formed, e.g. as a result of the use of elmex toothpastes. This depot continually releases fluoride, primarily during acid attack, providing highly effective protection for the enamel at critical moments. | |
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Fluoride prophylaxisPrevention of dental caries through the use of fluorides, both by local application in toothpastes or rinsing solutions, but also to a lesser extent via systemic absorption (through salt, water or fluoride tablets). | |
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Fluoride rinseProprietary, fluoride-containing active solution to supplement daily oral hygiene. elmex fluoride dental rinse (with no alcohol or colourings) contains amine and sodium fluoride and is used primarily as prophylaxis against caries. elmex SENSITIVE PLUS dental rinse (with no alcohol or colourings) protects against dentine caries and sensitive teeth.The amine fluoride/stannous fluoride-containing meridol mouthrinse inhibits the formation of bacterial plaque and promotes the regeneration of irritated gums. | |
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FluoroapatiteMineral component of enamel formed by the incorporation of fluoride in the main component, hydroxyapatite. This reaction stabilizes the apatite structure. | |
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FluorosisCondition resulting from prolonged overdosage with fluoride. The mildest form produces white flecks on the enamel. Fluorosis occurs when excessive quantities of fluoride are regularly absorbed between the ages of 6 and 8 years. Since small children regularly swallow part of the toothpaste, elmex children's toothpaste, with its reduced fluoride content, should be used up until the age of 6 years. | |
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FructoseFruit sugar. Simple sugar that is better tolerated by diabetics than other sugars. Like household sugar (sucrose), fructose is also broken down by plaque bacteria into lactic acid which, in the long term, will trigger caries. | |
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Gel/gelThe terms "gel" and "gel" are used for viscous, gelatinous dental care products. There are important differences between a gel and a gel. Toothpaste gels possess a fluoride content of between 1000 and 1500 ppm and also contain abrasive substances. Because of their higher fluoride content, gels (e.g. elmex gel 12,500 ppm fluoride) are intended for intensive caries prophylaxis and are not abrasive (enamel-wearing). | |
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Gingival recessionShrinking back of the gums after inflammatory processes (gingivitis, periodontitis) or injury to the gums on individual teeth, e.g. as the result of incorrect brushing techniques (usually with horizontal scrubbing and/or excessive pressure). Gingival shrinkage cannot be reversed. | |
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