When it comes to keeping your teeth strong and healthy, fluoride is one of the best tools you have at your disposal! You’ve probably seen it listed on your toothpaste tube or heard your dentist mention fluoride treatments, but you might be unsure about what exactly it is and how it can benefit your pearly whites. Here’s what you need to know about its remarkable impact on your smile.
What Exactly Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and certain foods. In dentistry, it’s well-known for its ability to protect tooth enamel (the outermost layer of your teeth) from cavity-causing bacteria. That’s why fluoride is found in virtually all oral hygiene products, as well as many public drinking water sources. Many dentists also offer supplemental fluoride treatments as a part of routine checkups and cleanings. Don’t worry—it’s perfectly safe to consume and apply to your teeth!
How Does Fluoride Impact Your Teeth?
Your teeth are actually constantly losing minerals due to exposure to acids from plaque and food alike. However, they’re also constantly gaining back minerals, from saliva and fluoride, among other sources. It’s sort of like a balancing act; you can’t help but expose your teeth to things that harm the enamel, but at the same time, you can frequently restrengthen the enamel.
When fluoride is present, it helps your teeth mainly by strengthening the enamel layer, which protects against cavities, and repairs early decay damage before things get worse. It benefits both children and adults alike, and is helpful at all stages in life—from baby teeth to the permanent ones.
How to Use Fluoride for a Healthier Smile
Incorporating fluoride into your daily routine can go a long way and make a big difference in your oral health over time. Here’s how:
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste, twice daily for 2 – 3 minutes each time. Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride.
- Drink fluoridated water if possible—this usually means tap water. Green and black tea can also contain fluoride.
- Certain foods like fish, shellfish, and crustaceans can contain fluoride, as well as vegetables like spinach, carrots, and asparagus.
- Ask your dentist about the types of fluoride treatments that they offer.
Just think of fluoride as a long-term investment in your smile—by strengthening enamel and preventing cavities, it reduces the need for fillings, crowns, or more complex treatments later in life. Combined with good oral hygiene, like brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, it’s a simple yet profound way to protect your pearly whites for years to come!
About the Practice
Our team here at Main Line Dental has proudly served the dental needs of patients in Wayne, PA, and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide variety of services, including preventive fluoride treatments. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today to learn more or for assistance. Telephone: (610) 971-0717.