You know you need it, but do you know why? Fluoride is an integral component in your dental health. It makes your teeth stronger, prevents cavities and even reverses early tooth decay!
What exactly is fluoride?
Fluoride is a chemical ion of fluorine, which is one of the top 20 most common elements in the earth’s crust. Obviously, you don’t need to dig into the earth’s crust to get some fluoride for your teeth. There are several easy ways to get fluoride, including the following:
- Drinking Water (make sure your community water system includes fluoride)
- Toothpaste (look for the ADA Seal, ensuring it contains the correct amount of fluoride)
- Mouth Rinses (not all mouthwashes contain fluoride, read the label)
- Dental Office (your dentist can provide a fluoride treatment during a routine appointment)
How Does it Work?
When you consume sugary or high carbohydrate foods and drinks, your tooth enamel is at risk for acid attacks. If your tooth enamel gets stripped away, cavities get an open invitation to start destroying your smile. When you have fluoride in your system, it can be found in your saliva. The calcium and phosphate already found in your saliva can combine with fluoride to create the strongest defense possible for your teeth. If you are getting the right amount of daily fluoride, you can be confident that your spit is bathing your teeth with protective and strengthening components after you eat and drink.
At Grateful Dental, we can help you determine if you are getting enough fluoride for your smile. We offer a full range of preventative dental services to ensure you can maintain the healthiest smile possible.
