Why Fluoride is Good for Your Teeth Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally and is found in several Foods and water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from the enamel layer of the tooth through two processes known as remineralization and demineralization. The enamel layer of the tooth loses minerals when acids formed by sugars and plaque bacteria in the mouth attack the enamel. Minerals, for instance, phosphate, calcium, and fluoride are redeposited to the tooth when we consume food and water. Tooth decay happens as a consequence of demineralization without enough remineralization. Fluoride prevents tooth decay by boosting the tooth’s resistance to acid attacks which include sugars and plaque in the mouth. Fluoride therefore will help to reverse tooth decay. Fluoride is involved in the development of permanent teeth in children who are under six, making it hard for the acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also aids in quickening the process of remineralization and also reducing the production of acid in teeth which have already erupted in both adults and children. Fluoride can be applied to the teeth directly through fluoridated mouth rinses and toothpaste. Mouth rinses that have fluoride in lower levels can be bought over the counter. If one needs a stronger concentration, they have to get a prescription from a dentist. A dentist can also apply fluoride in their office as a foam, gel or varnish. These treatments have a higher level of fluoride than that found in mouth rinses, and toothpaste. There are also fluoride supplements which are available in tablet or liquid form and the pediatrician, dentist or family doctor has to prescribe them. It is important that babies and children who are between six months and sixteen years are exposed to fluoride. In this time frame, the primary and permanent teeth develop. However, adults also benefit from fluoride. New studies have shown that topical fluoride that’s found in fluoride treatments, mouth rinses, and toothpaste are as important in strengthening growing teeth as in fighting tooth decay. There are people who have a higher risk of experiencing tooth decay who would benefit greatly from fluoride treatment. They include individuals with gum disease also known as periodontitis, those with dry mouth conditions, those with a history of cavities that occur often and those that have crowns or braces.
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Fluoride is efficient and safe when used as instructed by the dentist, but it may be dangerous if consumed in high doses which are at toxic levels. Because of this, It’s vital that parents manage how their children use products that have fluoride. They should take precautions to keep fluoride products out of the reach of their kids, particularly those who are under the age of sixteen. More to this, excess fluoride may lead to defects in the tooth’s enamel.Why not learn more about Services?