Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime. Unfortunately, the biggest threat to their longevity is tooth decay. Although cavities are preventable, at least 92% of adults have had at least one in a permanent tooth. You’re proactive about your oral hygiene at home and routine appointments with your dentist in Saginaw to prevent tooth decay, but could you be doing more? You might be a candidate for fluoride. Here’s how “Nature’s Cavity Fighter” can help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in your teeth and bones that’s found all around you, including in the water you drink and the air you breathe. Fluoride holds a commonplace in dentistry because it also strengthens your enamel, the hard-outer layer of your teeth.
Research shows fluoride can reverse early stages of demineralization while also keeping your enamel strong to ward off cavity-causing bacteria. Besides the world around you, there are several other ways you can benefit from the mineral, such as choosing specific dental products, drinking tap water, or visiting your dentist for a fluoride treatment.
Overall, fluoride offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Rebuild weakened tooth enamel.
- Slows down the loss of minerals from enamel.
- Reverse early stages of decay.
- Reduce the growth of harmful oral bacteria.
Who is a Candidate for Fluoride?
Fluoride is most often recommended for children because they are the most prone to decay; however, you’re never too old to benefit from stronger enamel. Although it’s important for everyone to receive fluoride, your dentist might recommend increasing your levels if you’re prone to decay or have sensitive teeth, such as using a different toothpaste or mouthrinse.
How Can I Get Fluoride?
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste that’s earned their Seal of Acceptance. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and at night increases the effectiveness of the mineral by 14%.
In addition, floss daily and maintain a balanced diet. Besides caring for your smile at home, visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. They can also apply a fluoride varnish to further protect your smile.
Many public water systems have added fluoride to help combat decay. Research shows water containing fluoride can lower your risk of decay by as much as 50%. It’s best to drink tap water over other beverages to stay hydrated and keep your smile cavity-free.
Invest in the Protection of Fluoride
You can go the extra mile to protect your smile from cavity-causing bacteria. Besides using the right products at home, ask your dentist about adding a fluoride treatment to your routine appointments.
About Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla
Dr. Renkutla is passionate about creating healthy smiles that last, which is why he volunteers his services at a local church in his spare time. He focuses on prevention to help his patients reach optimal oral health using proven treatments, like fluoride. If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, ask Dr. Renkutla about adding the benefits of fluoride to your plan.