Fluoride has been known to be vital to good dental health for decades, which is part of the reason it is included in most city water. While most of us don’t know how this substance protects our teeth, we know that it’s something that’s important to a lifetime of healthy teeth. If you’ve ever wondered what the real benefit of fluoride is and why it’s such an important part of our oral hygiene products, read on! We’ll tell you a little bit about why this important mineral should be part of your oral health regime.
How Does Fluoride Halt Decay Of Teeth?
The outside of our teeth is covered in a hard coating that protects the interior pulp from damage, and it’s called enamel. Our sensitivity to temperatures and acidic foods are all protected against by this resilient material, and fluoride plays a strong role in keeping it strong and resilient. Plaque eats away at this enamel through a process called demineralization, and fluoride helps rebuild and strengthen damaged plaque.
How Can I Get More Fluoride?
There are a number of sources of fluoride available, which ones you use will depend heavily on how much you individually need. If you’re on city water chances are you’ll require less than someone who lives in the country on a well. Due to its benign nature the majority of fluoride sources are available over the counter, though more aggressive treatment is available through your dentist. The following are common sources of fluoride.
- Fluoridated Water – For those who live in the city this is usually their primary source of fluoride. You can also buy fluoridated water to drink to get your required amount, but it isn’t a common resource outside of tap water.
- Fluoride Tablets – These are commonly available through your dentist in those instances where you need a stronger dosage due to medical problems or just lack of availability.
- Fluoride Mouthwash – Mouthwash is good for more than just killing bacteria that causes halitosis and plaque, it’s also contains fluoride to help strengthen your enamel!
- Fluoride Toothpaste – If you brush your teeth twice a day that’s two opportunities you have to get a little extra dose of fluoride into your dental health routine. Don’t swallow the toothpaste while you’re brushing and make sure that your young children (under six years of age) aren’t getting more than a pea sized bit on their toothbrush.
- Dietary Sources – Fluoride can also be found in certain dietary sources, including table wine, raisins, shrimp, blue crab, and others. If you’re looking for a dietary way to add fluoride to your diet, these are a place to start.
If you want to maintain healthy teeth for a lifetime then getting fluoride is an essential part of that goal. Every six months you should be visiting your dentist for a check-up and consultation on your oral hygiene routine. If you don’t have a dentist at present contact Dr. Pallevi Kavety at Pasadena Children’s Dentistry in Pasadena, CA. They work with patients like you to help the entire family grow up with great dental health.
