ORAL HEALTH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLUORIDE

Fluoride is a mineral our teeth need to survive, and it is usually found in food and water, but why do we need fluoride so much? Well, each day minerals are added to and lost from our teeth, which is called demineralization and remineralization. If you have too much demineralization and not enough remineralization, the bacteria in your mouth have a chance to attack your teeth and begin the process of tooth decay, which is why fluoride is so important. Fluoride is a strong mineral that nourishes and strengthens your teeth as well as protects your teeth from tooth decay.

Fluoride can be found in a variety of products, like fluoride toothpaste, food, fluoride mouthwash, fluoride tablets, fluoride gummies, tap water, and dental fluoride treatments. Dental fluoride treatments can be presented in the form of a foam, gel, or varnish. Foam fluoride treatments are applied with a mouth guard. Your hygienist will fill the guard with the foam fluoride, will place it over your teeth, and will ask you to wait for a few minutes. The minerals will soak into your teeth and strengthen and nourish them while you wait. Varnish fluoride treatments are painted onto your teeth and gel fluoride treatments can be painted onto the teeth or presented via mouth guard.

It is very important for children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old to be exposed to fluoride. This is because the permanent teeth need to be nourished and strengthened. It is also beneficial for adults to use fluoride products because fluoride prevents cavities.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of fluoride, call our office today and talk to a member of our team. We care for you and your smile, and we look forward to helping you have the healthiest oral cavity possible with the use of fluoride!