Many individuals do not know this, but fluoride is good for your teeth. This mineral has what your teeth need to become healthy and strong. By nourishing your teeth, fluoride helps prevent dental concerns such as tooth decay and weakness. In fact, it is also known as nature’s cavity fighter!
Fluoride works to strengthen your teeth and keep them safe from potential issues that are waiting to attack. Hence, it is extremely beneficial for your teeth if taken in a suitable amount. Even better is a professional fluoride treatment, which involves the dentist applying this essential mineral to your teeth. To know what makes this procedure good for your teeth, carry on reading this blog for the benefits of fluoride!
What Does Fluoride Do For Teeth
Our mouth has both good and bad bacteria. The harmful bacteria react with the sugar and carbohydrates present in what we consume, forming an acid that attacks the dental enamel. If not removed on time, the acid or plaque bacteria erode the enamel layer, making your teeth weak. After the tooth enamel wears away, decay takes place in the affected teeth. You should immediately consult a dentist to treat the decayed area. Otherwise, the damage only spreads — until a cavity forms and further complications occur. This entire process of bacteria attacking the enamel and causing it to erode is known as demineralization.
Fluoride helps battle the demineralization process by partaking in remineralization, which helps the enamel regain its strength. Hence, fluoride works by nourishing the enamel layer of your teeth and helping it resist cavities. This way, you can rely on fluoride to keep your teeth in good health.
When to Take Fluoride?
Although fluoride is extremely beneficial for your teeth, there is a certain age you should be exposed to it. This is because over-exposure, especially in children, can cause a condition called dental fluorosis. After consulting your dentist, provide the proper amount of fluoride to children between the age of 6 months to 16 years. By doing so, you can ensure that both the developing teeth and erupted teeth are exposed to fluoride as needed.
Your dentist might tell you the following regarding fluoride exposure in children:
- Pea-sized amount to brush teeth
- Spitting, not swallowing, the toothpaste
- No fluoride for children under 6 years of age unless the dentist says so
Reasons Fluoride is Good For Adult Teeth
Fluoride is highly beneficial for your teeth. Here are some ways fluoride is good for your teeth:
- Prevents Dry Mouth: When you have a dry mouth, the food particles and bacteria stay on your teeth due to reduced salivary flow. A dry mouth is also known as xerostomia, and fluoride can significantly reduce its symptoms.
- Strengthens Teeth: Fluoride treatment shows remarkable improvements if you have experienced tooth decay or are currently dealing with it.
- Fights Gum Disease: Your gums suffer when you do not have proper oral hygiene or use an aggressive technique to brush your teeth. In addition, bacteria increases the possibility of gum disease and worsens your oral health, but fluoride can help you battle any periodontal concerns.
- Protects Against Damage from Dental Restorations: The risk of tooth decay increases when you have dental restorations such as dentures, crowns, or even braces. This is why professional fluoride treatment can be of great help.
What Should I Do?
So, to answer, fluoride is good for your teeth since it restores the strength of dental enamel. Moreover, fluoride protects you against gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, and much more. Consult our expert staff at Lake Elsinore Dentistry for the best dental treatments and recover your dental health! Get in touch with our team by dialing (951) 579-1010 or visiting us at 31581 Canyon Estates Dr #201, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532.