Believe it or not, you are surrounded by fluoride. It is a naturally occurring mineral found in bones, teeth, air, water, soil, plants, and rocks. Since it helps to prevent dental cavities by strengthening enamel, it is commonly used in dentistry and dental hygienic products. A tiny level of it is also maintained in many of the public water supplies of the United States and other countries, and in some parts of the world, drinking water is naturally high in fluoride. Read on to learn about how fluoride is used to keep your teeth healthy.
How Is Fluoride Used to Keep My Teeth Strong?
Fluoride is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter health and hygiene products including toothpaste, mouthwash, and supplements. For people who get a lot of cavities, a dentist might prescribe a mouthwash with a higher concentration of fluoride.
Fluoride helps slow the loss of minerals from enamel, replenish these lost minerals, and reverse the beginnings of tooth decay while preventing bacterial growth. This is especially important because enamel does not grow back on its own. These benefit users by preventing cavities and other infections.
Is Fluoride Safe?
While excessive fluoride exposure can lead to conditions like dental fluorosis, the American Dental Association (ADA), one of the most reputable professional dental organizations around, maintains that fluoride is safe. It also says that fluoride protects against cavities and reduces tooth decay by up to forty percent, and these benefits extend to children. Exposing young teeth to fluoride helps preserve them into adulthood. However, kids shouldn’t use mouthwash containing it before the age of six. This saves the community money by reducing the need for dental treatments.
How Does Fluoride Work?
Fluoride works by providing an environment where enamel can develop to become more acid resistant. It prevents enamel from being depleted by hampering bacteria’s ability to produce this acid. When acid has already damaged the teeth, fluoride strengthens the enamel by accumulating in the demineralized areas.
Fluoride is a practical and dentist-recommended way to keep teeth healthy. In fact, places without fluoridation in their tap water have higher rates of tooth decay. Its use in many parts of the world has helped many a person keep their teeth strong and beautiful for a lifetime.
About the Practice
MJM Family Dentistry provides dental care to the communities of the Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland metropolitan areas. Led by Drs. Malcolm Murray and Ahmed Saadoon, the staff provides patients with top-notch, compassionate care. Services include general, restorative, pediatric, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information about the benefits of fluoride, contact the office online or dial (703) 934-5540.
