Is Fluoride Important for Your Teeth?

Fluoride is one of the widely available elements found in nature. So is fluoride really important for your teeth? According to the  American Dental Association, fluoride is recognized as an effective and safe mineral that prevents tooth cavities in adults and children. 

How Fluoride Helps Your Teeth

Our mouth contains thousands of bacteria. When food remains in the mouth, bacteria break it down to form acid. This acid causes erosion of tooth enamel by making it lose its natural minerals. This process is known as demineralization. 

Acidic food and a lack of healthy saliva in the mouth can also lead to demineralization. It is vital to remineralize your teeth to replace lost minerals. 

Fluoride helps in remineralization by replacing the natural minerals to keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay.

Benefits of Fluoride

• Helps Strengthen Teeth

Poor oral habits or carbonated beverages can cause tooth enamel to erode. Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel through remineralization.

• Prevents Gum Infections

Tartar is created when plaque is left untreated. This can cause a hole in your teeth and lead to gum infections. This can be prevented to a large extent with fluoride. Fluoride provides an extra layer of protection to your tooth.

Sources of Fluoride

• Topical fluoride:Directly applied fluoride in gel, toothpaste, or mouthwash form.
• Professionally applied fluoride: Dentists use fluoride in the form of varnish, foam, or highly concentrated rinse
• Water fluoridation:A small amount of fluoridated water (roughly 0.7 milligrams per liter) is used in public water in the United States. This has been proved to be safe for all ages
• Fluoride supplements: These supplements are prescribed to children where fluoridated water is not available. Children between the age of 6 months to 16 years take these supplements on a dentist’s recommendation

Fluoride is Important for Your Teeth

Dentistry aims to improve oral health and prevent tooth cavities. Fluoride is used as a preventive agent worldwide to fight tooth decay. When used properly, fluoride is safe and beneficial for healthy teeth. 

Fluoride helps strengthen permanent teeth in infants. For cavity-prone children, it is recommended to get fluoride treatment twice a year. 

Speak to Your Dentist

Remember, regularly visiting your dentist is essential along with fluoride treatment to prevent tooth decay and gum infection! Contact our skilled dentists at Lincolnway Dental Center for more information on how fluoride can improve your oral health. 

For comprehensive dental care, visit Lincolnway Dental Center at 648 North Randall Road, Aurora 60506. Call us at (630) 897-1300 for appointments.