Fluoride not only helps to prevent cavities in your children’s teeth, but it also helps adults maintain their oral health.
Of course, there is a lot of information and misinformation surrounding the use of fluoride, so some people just try to avoid it completely. Let’s take a quick tour through the world of fluoride for more information.
Fluoride is found in most toothpastes.
Quick Fluoride Facts
Before we jump into how and why fluoride works, let’s take a quick look at a few facts on fluoride. The first thing you will want to know is that fluoride is mineral that naturally occurs in all sources of water. It’s also the 17th-most abundant element in the earth’s crust, and it can only exist in a combination with other elements as a compound. The confusion around fluoride is normally based around the recommended levels. The current recommended fluoride level is .7 parts fluoride per million parts water.
Fluoride and Your Teeth
While you may know that fluoride is connected to dental health, are you aware of the many reasons why it can help you? Researchers have found that fluoride helps to make your tooth structure stronger. Obviously this will help you maintain your oral hygiene, and stronger teeth are much more resistant to acid attacks. Acid forms when bacteria in plaque break down sugars and carbohydrates, and constant acid attacks start to wear down your teeth. While fluoride helps to make your teeth stronger, it also helps to repair areas where your teeth are breaking down acid attacks.
Fluoride Sources
There are two different methods to obtain fluoride, and one of the most popular methods is through topical use. You are familiar with topical fluorides: toothpastes, mouthwashes and fluoride therapies. You body can also ingest fluoride, which is known as systemic fluoride. Fluoride is found in water and dietary supplements, which can then be present in salvia. There has been community water fluoridation for more than 70 years, and it’s been proven that fluoridation can reduce tooth decay. There are still some communities, however, where the water source cannot be fluoridated. When that is the case, dentists recommend investing in dietary supplements.
Do you want to learn more about fighting cavities?
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