Many top brands of toothpaste will mention fluoride in their advertising, touting its ability to protect your teeth. Recently, as a mineral, we’ve learned that prolonged fluoride exposure can lead to issues. However, safe dosages play a major role in your dental health and come highly recommended in general dentistry. Here we will discuss what fluoride is and how it can help you protect your smile.
Fluoride – What Is It?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring trace mineral released from rocks into the air, water, and soil. While it is not considered an essential mineral, fluoride is able to reverse and prevent cavities. Nearly all water contains some fluoride, though rarely enough to prevent tooth decay without fluoridation.
So How Does It Work?
Cavities are developed when a tooth is damaged by bacteria. Eventually the enamel breaks down and a hole (cavity) is developed, resulting in pain and possibly loss of the tooth if left untreated. Fluoride helps to counteract this by teaming up with calcium and phosphate to become fluorapatite.
Fluoride helps teeth in two ways. When children eat or drink fluoride in small doses, it enters the bloodstream and becomes part of their developing permanent teeth. Additionally, fluoride becomes part of the saliva and helps strengthen teeth from the outside thus keeping your teeth strong and resistant to cavities.
Fluoride Is Here to Help
Fluoride is critical to your dental health. In addition to water fluoridation, the current recommendation is to have topical fluoride applied at least every 3 months to 6 months for those at increased risk of tooth decay.
Protect Your Smile with Radiance Dental
At Radiance Dental, we create healthy RADIANT smiles for life. While much of the work to maintain a healthy smile is done at home, regular dental visits are necessary for protecting your oral and overall health. We provide general, pediatric and cosmetic dentistry services to make sure your whole family has healthy, happy smiles. We are dedicated and committed to continued education to learn the latest techniques and technologies to provide the best available care for our patients. We provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere for regular cleanings, important questions and the treatments our patients need to put their best smile forward. Are you looking for a family dentist in the Twin Cities? Schedule a dentist appointment with us today.
Radiance Dental 