Known as nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride immensely nourishes your teeth and strengthens the tooth enamel. This way, the naturally occurring mineral helps keep tooth decay at bay and keep your teeth strong. So, is fluoride good for your teeth?
The answer is: yes, most definitely! It is packed with numerous benefits for our teeth when taken in an adequate amount. You can consult your dentist on professional fluoride treatment and why it is so hyped. In this blog, we will mention all that you need to know regarding fluoride and your dental health. Keep reading to stay updated!
How Fluoride Works for Your Teeth
Bacteria present in our mouths feed on leftover food over time, which includes sugary foods and beverages. Over time, bacteria and sugar react and form acids that pounce at the dental enamel. Once the plaque manages to wear down tooth enamel, it leads to tooth decay, which only advances if you do not receive dental attention. This process of bacteria causing enamel erosion is called demineralization.
Fluoride, on the other hand, participates in a process called remineralization. When your teeth are exposed to fluoride, the enamel regains its strength to resist cavities. By restoring the damage resulting from harmful bacteria, fluoride proves itself to be a good and promising mineral for your teeth.
Appropriate Age for Fluoride Intake
An appropriate amount of fluoride, as recommended by the dentist, is required for infants and children between the age of 6 months to 16 years. This is because both developing teeth and already erupted teeth need fluoride for their nutrition.
Keep in mind, though, that excessive exposure to fluoride can result in cosmetic concerns such as dental fluorosis — which is when light white streaks appear on the surface of enamel during the child’s development years, prior to tooth eruption.
Here are the instructions for fluoride exposure in young children:
- A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush teeth.
- Spitting the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
- Unless a dentist or health care provider says so, children under 6 years of age should not be given fluoride mouth rinses.
Benefits of Fluoride for Adults
Fluoride is loaded with advantages for your teeth. Below, you can find in what conditions fluoride is good for your teeth and oral health:
- Dry Mouth: Many health conditions result in a dry mouth. Also known as xerostomia, it reduces salivary flow, which allows food particles and bacteria to reside on your teeth. You can definitely benefit from fluoride usage if you have a dry mouth.
- Gum Disease: Factors such as aggressive brushing, poor oral hygiene, and bacteria can increase your risk of gum disease as well as tooth decay. However, fluoride can help prevent this issue and save your oral health.
- History of Tooth Decay: If you have had tooth decay in the past, a professional fluoride treatment is pretty helpful in regards to strengthening your teeth.
- Dental Restorations: Do you have crowns, bridges, dentures, or braces? They increase the possibility of tooth decay, which necessitates the need for fluoride treatment.
What Should I Do?
In conclusion, fluoride is beneficial for your teeth since it strengthens enamel and prevents tooth decay. A dentist will be able to give you a detailed insight into professional fluoride treatment and other ways you can increase your fluoride exposure.
At The Smile Artisan, our team understands how important your dental health is. You can visit us at 18121 Tuckerton Road, Suite 140, Cypress, TX 77433, for effective and safe treatments. Moreover, we are also available at (832) 220-6087. Dial now to schedule an appointment!