Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in foods and drinks such as fish and tea. It is also present in varying concentrations in all natural water.
Fluoride has been added to some drinking water supplies in the UK to bring the concentration up to a level that protects against dental decay (see box, below left) - this has been practised for almost 60 years.
Fluoride can also be synthesised (manufactured) by using chemical processes, and synthetic fluoride is used in toothpaste. Most people get their fluoride from toothpaste.
The use of fluoride in the UK
In the UK, the Department of Health and The British Dental Association recommend that fluoride should be added to tap water because of its proven oral health benefits, particularly in promoting the development of healthy teeth in children and significantly reducing the incidence of tooth decay.
However, it is up to individual local health authorities to decide, in consultation with local health groups and the local community, whether or not fluoride should be included in local water supplies.
A level of 1mg of fluoride per litre of water (1mg/l, or 1 part per million) has been shown to be most beneficial in the development of strong teeth and for providing protection against dental decay. This will usually be the maximum amount of fluoride that is added to water supplies.
Your local water supplier should be able to tell you how much fluoride is in your drinking water.
Fluoride treatments
All adults and children should use a toothpaste containing fluoride.
In areas where water supplies contain too little fluoride, children at high risk of dental decay can also be given mouthwashes, drops and tablets, but you should seek the advice of your dentist before using these treatments.
Your dentist or a member of their team can apply topical fluorides during dental visits. These gels are more concentrated than the self-applied fluorides, so they are not needed as frequently. Some adults can benefit from these applications. Fluoride gels can help to reduce dental decay.
If you are prone to dental decay, your dentist may advise the use of fluoride supplements in addition to fluoride toothpaste for extra protection. However, it is very important that fluoride supplements are only taken on the advice and instruction of your dentist.
