Since childhood, we have heard about fluoride from our dentist and seen it in our toothpaste and mouthwash. You may have heard about the advantages or been told directly that fluoride is good for your teeth, but do you know why?
Here, we will explore five benefits of fluoride and why it’s so beneficial. From oral hygiene products to the water from your faucet, fluoride plays a major role in the health of your mouth.
1. Fluoride Is a Natural Substance
Fluoride can be found in the body as calcium fluoride and in the water, soil, and rocks around us. There are also trace amounts of fluoride in foods like oatmeal, asparagus, and seafood. The calcium fluoride within our bodies helps build strong bones and teeth.
2. Strengthens Tooth Enamel and Prevents Cavities
Tooth enamel gradually loses minerals and weakens over time. Fluoride helps to re-mineralize, or rebuild, the enamel, making it resistant to cavities. This natural mineral also prevents harmful bacteria from growing.
3. Works Around the Clock
Fluoride mixes with your saliva and constantly bathes your teeth in a protective wash with regular brushing. In addition, dentists often apply a topical fluoride treatment during cleanings to further protect your teeth.
4. Easy to Ingest
In modern times, fluoride comes in a variety of forms that are very easy to use. It is found in most tap water, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Since it is more concentrated in toothpaste and mouthwash, it’s important to follow the directions and spit out the product instead of swallowing it. The amounts in drinking water are much lower, so there is no danger of ingesting too much.
5. Fluoride Is Safe and Effective
Since adding fluoride to community water systems and dental products in the late 1960s, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) shares that the number of missing and decaying teeth in children in the United States has dropped by 68 percent. As long as children are not eating toothpaste and ingesting excessive amounts, this mineral continues to be safe and effective.
Final Thoughts
Fluoride is a crucial part of oral health and has been a common additive to water, toothpaste, and mouthwashes for decades. A natural compound within the body, it helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. Since fluoride was added to water and oral hygiene products years ago, getting the necessary amount required for healthy teeth is very easy. Experts continue to endorse it as safe and effective when used correctly.
If you have any questions about how fluoride can benefit your teeth, just ask!
Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.
