Long has been the debate over whether or not fluoride does more harm than good.  The American Dental Association says that over the course of studying dental health in the last 50 years that there has been a significant drop in tooth decay.  They attribute this decline in decay to fluoride and fluoridated drinking water.  The FDA on the other hand has not yet approved the statements and claims of the ADA.  In fact the FDA has issued warnings against the dangers that can result from improperly using fluoridated products and supplements.

So how is fluoride enhanced toothpaste different from other fluoride supplements including fluoridated water?  One of the biggest differences is that fluoride enhanced toothpastes are not meant to be ingested.  The fluoride is meant to be applied to the surface of the teeth and not consumed.  There are typically two categories of topical tooth treatments.  The ones that are sold over the counter and kept in your family's medicine cabinet, and the treatment that you can only find in your dentist's office.

Toothpastes and mouthwashes
Toothpaste containing fluoride has been used since 1960.  Since that time there has been a significant drop among users of fluoride-containing toothpaste in the level of cavities.  The American Dental Association recommends that all people over the age of two years old use toothpaste with fluoride.  Parents of children younger than the age of two should consult with their dentist about how to care for their toddler's teeth.  In addition to toothpastes there are also mouth rinses or washes that contain fluoride.  Mouthwashes are intended to be held in the mouth for a period of a few seconds and then to be spit out again.  Mouthwashes are not intended to be swallowed.  Various kinds of mouthwashes are available over the counter or by prescription.   The ADA recommends mouthwashes for all people above 6 years of age.  Those younger than 6 years old may not be able to use a mouthwash without swallowing it. 

Applied by a dentist
Special fluoride gels, foams or rinses can be applied to the teeth during a regular dental visit.  Typically the fluoride treatments that you would receive in a dentist's office are more concentrated than those you would find in a toothpaste or mouthwash.  It is therefore only necessary to receive fluoride treatment from your dentist every once in a while.  Although there is no ADA accepted dental office mouthwash, what dentists do is apply the fluoride to the teeth by putting the fluoride substance in a tray and allowing your teeth to soak in the product.  

Toothpaste tube warnings
As with any supplement there are dangers to using fluoride improperly.  Fluoride in toothpaste is intended for topical application only.  Toothpaste should not be swallowed.  You should rinse your mouth out well after brushing and you should teach your children to do the same.  As a reminder the following message has been printed on toothpaste tubes containing fluoride:

"WARNINGS: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional or contact a Poison Control Center immediately."

Fluoride, although helpful, will not prevent tooth decay unconditionally.  Fluoride will not change the consequences of a poor diet nor will it fight already existing damage.  Fluoride is just one of the tools used to maintain good oral health.  Taking care of the other aspects, such as lifestyle, that affect your teeth is up to the individual consumer