20 Jul All About Fluoruide
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to build strong teeth, as well as prevent cavities. It has been used by dentists for decades. This important mineral provides support so that your tooth enamel remains healthy and is able to fend off bacteria that could otherwise harm it or your gums.
Fluoride is particularly useful if you’re at a higher risk of developing cavities. Cavities develop due to an accumulation of bacteria on your teeth and gums, which turns into a sticky plaque layer. The presence of plaque creates an acidic environment that damages teeth and gum tissue. If your tooth enamel is broken down by plaque, bacteria can eventually penetrate the tooth and reach its core. At that point you would probably require a root canal procedure.
Benefits of Fluoride:
- Rebuilds weak tooth enamel
- Slows down tooth enamel mineral loss
- Reverses early tooth decay
- Prevents the overgrowth of damaging oral bacteria
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments can be quite useful, particularly if your tap water at home doesn’t contain fluoride. It only takes a few minutes to receive a fluoride treatment, which can be delivered via a gel or solution. Just make sure that you avoid eating for a half-hour prior to your appointment so that the fluoride can be fully absorbed.
A professional fluoride treatment contains a higher amount of fluoride than what is found in your toothpaste or tap water.
Is fluoride safe for babies?
Fluoride is completely safe for babies; however, you may want to restrict their fluoride intake based upon their size. When your child’s first baby teeth are emerging, you can use a small toothbrush with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste on it. This will ensure that they do not swallow a large amount of toothpaste, but still are introduced to a vital element of dental hygiene from a very young age.
Should I be using fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste?
Patients sometimes wonder how much fluoride they should be getting on a daily basis. It is generally recommended that a toothpaste containing fluoride be used at least twice a day. This can help prevent cavities and strengthen weak spots in your teeth.
The Bottom Line
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps in the prevention of cavities by restoring minerals to your tooth enamel and preventing damaging bacteria from accumulating in your mouth.
Schedule Your Appointment
Please contact Blue Wave Dental Care today to request additional information about fluoride or to schedule a fluoride treatment for yourself or a family member.