The Role of Fluoride in a Healthy Smile

When it comes to keeping healthy teeth, you’ve probably heard of the importance of fluoride. It is recommended that every patient use a fluoridated toothpaste each day, and children are encouraged to get fluoride treatments from their dentist as their smile develops. Why is fluoride so beneficial to your dental health, and how does this mineral work within your smile?

At Pure Smiles Dentistry, we welcome the opportunity to help patients realize the role of fluoride towards a healthy mouth! In fact, it could be the one mineral that helps you avoid the expense and time of additional dental visits throughout the year.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral found in nature. It has been proven to help to prevent cavities by concentrating in the growing bones and teeth of children, hardening adult teeth before they emerge as well as strengthening enamel on adult teeth that have already emerged. Fluoride is so beneficial that it is added to the city’s water supply. If you drink bottled water instead of tap water, however, you’ll need to be careful to get your recommended fluoride intake.

How Does Fluoride Work?

Our teeth contain important substances such as calcium and phosphorus that keep them strong and protected. Unfortunately, these nutrients can dissolve within the tooth when subjected to oral acids. When oral bacteria combine with the sugars and carbohydrates we consume, acids are produced. Fluoride can step in as a key preventative weapon against acid erosion. In this way, it can help prevent tiny holes in the tooth enamel, otherwise known as cavities.

How Can You Get Fluoride?

There are several ways you can get fluoride. Beyond consuming fluoride through your drinking water, you can also apply topical fluoride through the toothpaste or mouth rinse you use as well as professional fluoride treatments from your dentist.

Professional fluoride treatments can be applied as a gel, foam, or varnish. While we commonly schedule fluoride treatments in our office for kids, adults can also take advantage of these important treatments. If you are concerned that you are not getting enough fluoride or you are at high risk for tooth decay, please ask us about the benefits of professional fluoride treatment. It is an easy, quick and painless way to protect your smile.

Book Your Dental Checkup Today!

If you have any questions regarding fluoride treatments, please call Pure Smiles Dentistry. Don’t forget to schedule your routine dental checkup before the 2021 year ends!