Fluoride has long been used as a way to strengthen teeth and help prevent the development of dental cavities in general dentistry. If you have never heard the term “fluoride” or do not know much about it, then it may seem strange to utilize it as a way to improve oral health. This review discusses precisely why fluoride is so highly recommended among dentists.
Most dentists recommend fluoride as a part of the patient’s daily oral care routine. This could be in the form of mouthwash, toothpaste, or drinking water. While you never want to consume too much of anything, a healthy amount of fluoride daily is a great way to prevent the need for cavity fillings and other more costly procedures.
It is first helpful to understand how teeth enamel works. Teeth enamel is the outermost layer of teeth; it is the visible surface of teeth. Enamel is incredibly strong and can resist all kinds of damage. However, enamel has a weakness, which is acidic attacks caused by bacteria and food particles combining. When this occurs, it can slowly demineralize teeth and lead to the erosion of the enamel and the development of cavities (small holes) in teeth.
So how does fluoride help prevent the breakdown of teeth enamel? Fluoride keeps teeth enamel strong through remineralization. When sugar and other refined carbohydrates combine with bacteria to attack the minerals that make up enamel, fluoride fights back and helps protect teeth from harm.
The good news is fluoride is entirely safe for people to consume and use in toothpaste and mouthwash. In fact, fluoride is placed in public water in many areas inside the United States for the purpose of protecting teeth. While it is still important not to consume too much fluoride, the risks of poor oral health that are associated with not using fluoride are far greater than the risks of using fluoride.
The best way to seamlessly implement fluoride into your daily oral care routine is by choosing a mouthwash or a toothpaste that contains fluoride. If teeth show signs of weakening, then the dentist may recommend a stronger fluoride mouth rinse to help restore the enamel before erosion occurs.
In addition to fluoride, patients should also brush several times each day and floss at least once a day. This is in addition to making smart dietary choices (such as limiting sugar consumption) and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups.
Give us a call or send us a message if you are interested in learning more about how fluoride can benefit the health and appearance of your teeth. We offer fluoride treatment for preventive care, along with a range of other preventive and restorative services that may be right for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ultimatesmiles.com or call North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at (760) 940-2273 for an appointment in our Vista office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Hygiene Basics in Vista, CA.
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