高濃度のフッ化物配合歯磨剤

Hello — Masa from the Clinical Department team. Do you believe “If you use fluoride toothpaste, you’re fully protected against cavities!” or “Fluoride is a magic ingredient that strengthens teeth!”? Fluoride compounds can indeed help prevent cavities, but there are important nuances.

First, elemental fluorine (fluorine gas) is highly toxic, whereas fluoride compounds are not the same thing; fluoride ions are tightly bound and cannot be separated into elemental fluorine under normal use. That’s one key point. However, without correct knowledge about their effects and safety, you may fall into unexpected pitfalls. From the perspective of an implant specialist, I’ll explain recent research and answer questions such as: What are fluoride’s real benefits? What are its lesser-known risks? What should dental implant patients pay special attention to?

I have treated many patients as an implant specialist. Through periodontal and implant treatments I’ve observed both the benefits and limits of fluoride. I keep up with international literature and research and aim to provide information based on the latest evidence.

Mouthguards + fluoride toothpaste — could it be counterproductive? A bacterial breeding ground

A patient recently told me they smear fluoride toothpaste on the inside of their nightguard and sleep with it. That may seem logical, but fluoride has little antibacterial effect. A nightguard creates an environment prone to bacterial growth because saliva flow decreases during sleep. Thus, coating a nightguard with toothpaste can turn the device into a bacterial hotbed, worsening oral conditions — the very opposite of the intended benefit.

Fluoride does not “regenerate” teeth — demineralization and remineralization explained

Many believe “fluoride strengthens or repairs teeth.” Strictly speaking, fluoride does not regenerate tooth structure. Fluoride reacts with the tooth’s surface hydroxyapatite to form a more acid-resistant fluorapatite, making the tooth less soluble (in other words, harder to dissolve). Fluoride can help convert teeth at early stages of decay (before a cavity forms) into a state less susceptible to caries, but it cannot restore teeth that already have cavities (actual holes).

Fluoride toxicity — avoid excessive intake

You may wonder if fluoride is safe. When used in appropriate amounts, fluoride is safe. However, ingesting a large amount at once (for example, swallowing an entire tube of toothpaste) can cause fluoride poisoning, producing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Children and people with impaired kidney function are at higher risk and should take extra care. There is ongoing debate about the long-term safety of fluoride, and research into long-term effects remains incomplete.

What implant patients should especially note — importance of self-care and professional care

Patients with implants must be especially diligent with oral care. Implants are susceptible to infection by periodontal pathogens and can develop peri-implantitis, a condition similar to periodontitis. If peri-implantitis progresses, the supporting bone can be lost and, in severe cases, the implant may fail. Prevention requires thorough plaque removal around implants with correct brushing technique, interdental brushes and dental floss for cleaning between teeth and around implants, regular professional maintenance at the dental clinic, and appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste as advised by professionals. At our clinic we emphasize post-implant maintenance and provide personalized care programs to minimize peri-implantitis risk and maximize implant longevity, sharing practical knowledge and techniques.

Summary

From an implant specialist’s viewpoint, fluoride can be effective for caries prevention when used correctly, but it should not be overtrusted. The important thing is to understand your oral condition accurately and choose the best care in consultation with your dentist or hygienist. At Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi, we fully support your oral health and the long-term stability of your implants. Please feel free to contact us with any concerns.

— TIDC Masa

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Clinic information:

Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi

Here is the MAP 

Address: 2F, TIDS Building, 5-13-25 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (along Otafuku-zaka)

Phone: +81-3-5544-8544

Nearest stations:

• Azabu-Juban Station (Toei Oedo Line / Tokyo Metro Namboku Line) — 5 min walk from Exit 7 (or Exits 4/5 from Namboku Line)
• Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) — 10 min walk from Exit 3 Landmark: Behind the Toyo Eiwa Jogakuin junior high school ground, along Otafuku-zaka.