Fluoride, a natural substance that helps prevent cavities

Fluoride is a natural substance that makes teeth less vulnerable to acid attacks by bacteria. Using the right amounts of fluoride thus helps prevent cavities in teeth. This is why fluoride is important in daily dental care.

What is the best way to apply fluoride?

Brushing your teeth is the best way to use fluoride. Fluoride is in most toothpastes.

When should you start using fluoride toothpaste?

Brush teeth once a day with fluoride toddler toothpaste as soon as the first teeth have erupted. Brush the teeth of children aged two to four years with this toothpaste twice a day. From the fifth year, start using regular fluoride adult toothpaste.

Tip: For children up to 10 years of age, brush at least once a day. Older children can usually brush independently.

Use fluoride toothpaste

Apply fluoride toothpaste to a dry brush. This will create less foam and keep you more visible when brushing.

Can it hurt if children swallow toothpaste?

There is no harm if children swallow toothpaste when brushing.

Does fluoride have side effects?

Internationally, fluoride is highly recommended to prevent dental caries. In the recommended dosage, no side effects occur.

Basic advice Fluoride

0 and 1 years 
From the breaking of the first tooth: brush once a day with fluoride toddler toothpaste.

2, 3 and 4 years 
Brush 2x a day with fluoride toddler toothpaste.

5 years and older
Brush twice a day with fluoride adult toothpaste. You can also use toothpaste that says ‘child’ or ‘junior’. In that case, always look at the age indicated (e.g. 5-12 years). If in doubt, consult your dentist or dental hygienist.

For all ages
For all other forms of fluoride use, consult your dentist or dental hygienist.

In what ways can extra fluoride be used?

Brushing teeth
An extra brushing is the simplest way you can use extra fluoride.

Rinsing with fluoride
The dentist may recommend the use of fluoride solution when someone is at extra risk of getting cavities. This is the case with bracket wearers. Sometimes children in schools rinse with fluoride. This is not necessary for all pupils, but it can't hurt either. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice.

Fluoride treatment
If cavities do develop, a dentist or dental hygienist can give a fluoride treatment to slow down this process.

Note: use extra fluoride only in consultation with your dentist or dental hygienist.

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