How Does Fluoride Help Teeth?

Your toothpaste likely has fluoride, and your dentist may have recommended that you receive a fluoride treatment during your last visit. That’s because fluoride is a very important mineral that keeps your teeth healthy. And it doesn’t take much effort to incorporate it in your oral healthcare routine.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that is found in many foods and in water. It supports healthy bone growth and also fortifies teeth.

How Does Fluoride Work?

Your teeth go through processes called demineralization and remineralization, during which plaque and acid wear down tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of the teeth) but minerals such as fluoride and calcium help rebuild tooth enamel. In fact, fluoride actually attracts other strengthening minerals to teeth once it’s on teeth! In other words, fluoride is essential to having healthy, strong teeth and prevents tooth decay. Without it, you are more likely to develop cavities and rapid tooth decay, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

How Much Fluoride Do You Need?

Drinking water that contains fluoride and brushing your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride is an excellent way to ensure you’re getting the right amount of fluoride on a daily basis. This amount will help you maintain strong teeth and avoid decay.

If you need additional fluoride, you can also buy fluoride tablets or drops and add it to water. You can even get fluoride treatments at your dental office right after a cleaning and exam. It only takes minutes, and it will help ward off tooth decay and all the expenses and pain that comes with it. The treatment can come in a gel form that is brushed directly onto your teeth or in a rinse form that is in a tray you hold in your mouth for a few minutes.

If you want to know more about the benefits of fluoride or want to inquire about a fluoride treatment during your cleaning and exam, we’d love to help you! At Riverstone Dental Care, we offer general and cosmetic services for the whole family. Contact us to schedule an appointment!

Categorised in: General Dental