Why Fluoride is Beneficial for Your Teeth

It seems like fluoride is everywhere. It’s a key ingredient in many brands of toothpaste and mouthwash, and many cities add it to their water supplies. Your dentist may even decide to apply some to your teeth after a routine preventive cleaning. But what exactly is fluoride? And what makes it so beneficial for your oral health? Here’s what you need to know about this important substance and the impact it can have on your teeth.

What Exactly is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that can be found in many different places in nature, including water, soil, plants, and the air. Its properties allow it to strengthen the hard enamel layer that’s responsible for protecting your teeth, thus making it more resistant to decay.

How exactly does fluoride work? The answer can be summed up in one word: remineralization. Every day, your enamel loses some of its minerals due to acids produced by the harmful oral bacteria that feed off sugar and carbohydrates. This is known as demineralization, and it can leave your teeth more susceptible to cavities. But fluoride can help remineralize the teeth, replacing the minerals that were lost. Not only does this strengthen the enamel, but it can even reverse the earliest stages of decay.

Are You Getting Enough Fluoride?

If you want to maintain a healthy smile, you should definitely make sure that you’re getting enough fluoride exposure. Fortunately, this is often as simple as drinking fluoridated water and brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste. When you go shopping for toothpaste, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance; it’s a sure sign that the product contains fluoride and has been proven to be both safe and effective.

It should be noted that some people have an unusually high risk of developing cavities. If this applies to you, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment. This involves applying a highly concentrated fluoride gel or varnish directly to your teeth. The process can be completed within minutes, but the effects can last for quite a while; having just one or two fluoride treatments performed each year can go a long way toward protecting your smile.

In short, fluoride is essential for protecting your teeth from the bacteria that can cause cavities. If you want to keep your smile in excellent shape, take whatever steps you need to in order to ensure that you’re getting a sufficient amount of fluoride.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil is a native of Wisconsin who has been in the dental field for over 20 years. He received his dental education from the University of Minnesota, and he regularly completes various continuing education courses in all areas of general care. As part of the preventive dentistry services that he provides at Oshkosh Complete Dentistry, he offers his patients gentle fluoride treatments. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Heil, visit his website or call (920) 235-0320.