When your teeth feel healthy and strong, you smile confidently. With our busy schedules, we can hardly take out the time to learn what’s best for our teeth. This is why many people are unaware of why dentists put stress on fluoride when it comes to toothpaste and our overall dental health. Brushing and flossing do help prevent oral health issues; you require dental check-ups and additional procedures, like professional fluoride treatment, to stay on top of your oral health. This is where fluoride can help. But what does fluoride do for our teeth?
In this article, we will explain why fluoride is important for your teeth. It’s easy to include fluoride in your oral care regimen. To know why you should do so, continue reading.
How Does Fluoride Work for Our Teeth?
Since the 1930s, fluoride has been known for fighting off cavities and strengthening teeth. Known as ‘nature’s cavity fighter’, this element works to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Demineralization and remineralization are naturally occurring processes in your mouth. In demineralization, plaque bacteria on your teeth’s surface feed on sugar and other carbohydrates present in your mouth, releasing acidic saliva. The acidic saliva weakens your tooth enamel, but fluoride works to remineralize your teeth by controlling the damage caused by the demineralization process.
Other than this, fluoride helps replenish the calcium and phosphate ions that help make your teeth harder. As a result, it helps protect your teeth, keeping them healthy. This happens in a process called remineralization. This way, fluoride helps protect your teeth against decay.
Benefits of Fluoride for Teeth
Fluoride does do a lot for our teeth. Giving children fluoride in small doses (before their permanent teeth erupt) is effective since it enters the bloodstream, becoming a part of their permanent teeth. Moreover, dentists might use topical fluoride on their teeth to prevent damage. However, too much fluoride is not good; hence, ask your dentist for suggestions and an adequate amount.
Even for adults, fluoride is a must for healthy teeth. Therefore, fluoride treatment can benefit adults by making their teeth stronger. Receiving a fluoride treatment from your dentist can help if:
- You are taking a prescription medication that reduces saliva flow
- You are suffering from receding gums, with your tooth roots exposed and vulnerable to decay
- You have excessive tooth decay and require multiple dental fillings
- You use orthodontic devices, which makes it challenging to keep your teeth clean, especially in harder-to-reach areas
- You have sensitive teeth
You can make the most of fluoride by opting for treatments. In addition, you can consult your dentist on the best fluoride supplements for you. Using products that contain fluoride can mix the mineral in your saliva. This way, the dental enamel absorbs the fluoride once your teeth are covered in saliva. Then, the naturally-existing calcium and phosphate in your teeth bond with fluoride, creating fluorapatite. Fluorapatite is effective in reducing cavities and decay.
The Closing Word
Fluoride is packed with numerous benefits for your teeth, in case you were wondering what it does for your dental health. At Hermosa Dental, we offer fluoride treatment that will strengthen your teeth, leaving you with a healthy smile. You can contact us at:
E. Little York: (713) 695-3400
Highway 6: (832) 427-1797
Porter: (281) 747-7004
Tomball: (832) 328-5651