Is Fluoride Important?

In this blog post, we discuss how fluoride can reduce your risk of tooth decay and cavities.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that can build healthy teeth and help prevent tooth decay. When deposited onto your teeth via water, toothpaste, or a fluoride treatment at the dentist, fluoride absorbs into your enamel. Your enamel is the outer protective layer of your teeth that is made up of a crystalline mineral structure. It can be fortified with minerals, such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus.

How Fluoride Protects Against Decay

Plaque is a film of bacteria that can accumulate inside your mouth. As these bacteria consume your dietary sugar, they produce acidic byproducts that wear down your tooth enamel. Thin tooth enamel is more susceptible to decay and cavities.

Tooth decay is a temporary weakening of the tooth’s outer layer. If the tooth is not remineralized, the decay will progress to a cavity, which is permanent damage that must be treated by a dental professional.

Enamel that is fortified with minerals, such as fluoride, is stronger and harder. This makes the enamel less vulnerable to weakening and damage.

How to Get Enough Fluoride

A person can expose their teeth to sufficient fluoride in several ways, which will remineralize their teeth:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes each time using toothpaste that contains fluoride
• Regularly rinse with a fluoride mouthwash
• Drink tap water that contains fluoride
• Get a professional fluoride treatment from Altitude Family Dental, your Gypsum dentist

What Is a Professional Fluoride Treatment?

A professional fluoride treatment at the dentist consists of a highly concentrated varnish that is brushed and left on the teeth after your cleaning. Your enamel will absorb this coating, which will give it a remineralization boost. This preventive treatment will fortify your teeth and help prevent the development of decay and cavities.

Preventive Dental Care & More at Altitude Family Dental

At Altitude Family Dental, we offer a wide variety of oral healthcare services, including preventive dental care, to help every member of your family achieve and maintain a healthy smile! Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Categorised in: Preventive Dental Care