Learn the role fluoride plays in a healthy smile!

Fluoride is an important part of effective preventive dental care. Whether you use a fluoride toothpaste or receive fluoride treatments from your dentist, this mineral works to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay, protecting you and your child from a range of oral health issues. Here’s what you should know about this mineral and its importance.

How Fluoride Works

Fluoride keeps your teeth strong by supporting the natural process of tooth enamel remineralization. As your enamel loses minerals due to acid created by bacteria in your mouth, it becomes weak and can wear away, leading to tooth decay and even tooth loss. This mineral aids the body’s natural remineralizing process to help you maintain your enamel and prevent wear and tear. Antibacterial properties in fluoride also help disrupt the bacteria’s ability to produce acid, stopping the bacteria from impacting your enamel in the first place.

These properties are particularly important when it comes to family dentistry. Fluoride strengthens developing teeth, stopping decay at a critical point in your child’s growth. Both primary and permanent teeth benefit from the protection of fluoride, allowing your child to avoid a variety of dental complications during their development.

Benefits of This Mineral

Fluoride is highly effective in reducing the risk of cavities. Strong enamel is less susceptible to wear, which prevents cavities from starting in the first place. It’s much better to take a proactive approach to prevent cavities than to deal with fillings later on. You’ll enjoy better oral health along with avoiding potentially costly treatments.

The earliest stage of tooth decay is the demineralization of enamel (mentioned earlier). This mineral reverses this by supporting remineralization. It is critical to address tooth decay at this early stage because, while enamel can remineralize to a certain extent, there comes a point when enamel cannot grow back. Halting decay at this early stage provides a foundation for lifelong oral health by preventing enamel loss in the first place.

Fluoride also supports good overall oral health by reducing bacteria activity. Bacteria affect both your teeth and gum tissue, so this mineral offers more benefits than just cavity prevention. With regular exposure to this mineral, you’ll enjoy a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile that stands up to the stresses of biting and chewing without wear or other damage.

Sources of This Mineral

You’ll find fluoride in a wide range of sources. Many types of toothpaste contain this mineral, which plays a key role in protecting your teeth from day-to-day stresses. This is yet another reason why consistent brushing is so important. You’ll enjoy ongoing protection against tooth decay and cavities for long-term protection.

Many types of mouthwash contain this mineral as well, along with various antibacterial ingredients. Rinsing with mouthwash can help fluoride reach nooks and crannies that brushing can’t. This provides wider protection for your smile and keeps cavities from affecting difficult-to-reach areas. Keep in mind that while mouthwash is a good addition to your oral hygiene routine, it cannot replace brushing and flossing.

Drinking water is another common source of fluoride. In many communities, drinking water from the tap contains low levels of this mineral that are considered safe to drink. .

Fluoride Treatments

When you visit your dentist for a routine check-up, it’s typically advised that you receive a fluoride treatment. This preventive treatment from your dentist uses a higher concentration of this mineral to achieve significant remineralization. In the hands of a trained dentist, the treatment is entirely safe and provides lasting protection for your smile.

Your dentist will apply fluoride in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. They typically require trays to hold the minerals against the teeth for a few minutes while avoiding the gum tissue. This treatment greatly supplements the everyday protection you get from toothpaste containing this mineral and provides lasting results.

Treatment with this mineral is safe and effective for both children and adults. Children are often prone to cavities due to sugary treats and poor brushing. However, adult patients can benefit just as much as children, especially those with already weakened enamel or exposed roots due to gum recession.

Your Family Dentist Near Lake Hefner for Preventive Dental Care

Fluoride plays a key role in protecting your smile, but it’s just one part of the big picture. Lake Pointe Dental Group is your trusted dentist in OKC for all types of preventive care. We provide routine dental exams, teeth cleaning, and fluoride treatment to keep your smile strong and healthy. Book your next appointment today to safeguard your oral health.