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

Breng fluoridetandpasta aan op een droge borstel. Zo ontstaat er minder schuim en houdt u meer zicht op het poetsen.

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 
Vanaf het doorbreken van het eerste tandje: 1x per dag poetsen met fluoride-peutertandpasta.

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

5 years and older
2x per dag poetsen met fluoridetandpasta voor volwassenen. Je kunt ook tandpasta gebruiken waarop staat ‘kinder’ of ‘junior’. Kijk dan altijd naar de leeftijd die hierbij wordt aangegeven (bijvoorbeeld 5-12 jaar). Als je twijfelt, raadpleeg dan je tandarts of mondhygiënist.

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.

Want to know more?

Then download the free app GezondeMond. The app is available for Android and tablets, available via Google Play. The app for iPhone and iPad can be found in the iTunes App Store..