Tooth decay is among the most common types of dental problems that affect children and adults. While brushing and flossing help protect teeth from decay, they’re not always enough. Fluoride offers added protection from cavities and decay. Find out more about this compound.
How Fluoride Works
Your teeth have a covering on them called enamel, which helps keep bacteria from causing damage. Poor dental hygiene and other problems can cause tooth enamel to erode or wear away over time. When this happens, your teeth don’t have as much protection from bacteria and decay. Fluoride binds to tooth enamel and helps make it stronger, which reduces your risk of decay.
Fluoride Benefits
Fluoride’s main benefit is that it helps rebuild tooth enamel for added protection from bacteria and acids that damage teeth. Having strong tooth enamel is among the most effective ways to guard against cavities and tooth decay that can lead to severe damage. Fluoride also helps ensure that children have healthy baby teeth that are more resistant to decay. This paves the way for healthy permanent teeth to grow in, later on, resulting in a lower risk of cavities.
How to Get Fluoride
Making sure that you and your children have enough fluoride is easy. In some areas, local water sources are treated with fluoride, which means you can get this compound by drinking tap water from your sink. If you don’t have fluoridated water in your home, you can use dental care products made with fluorides, such as toothpaste or mouthwash. Keep in mind that children under six shouldn’t use fluoridated mouthwash since they could accidentally swallow it. If you use fluoridated toothpaste, only give children a very small amount each time they brush. Your dentist can give you and your kid’s fluoride treatments during cleanings. This involves applying fluoride to your teeth in a gel form or another form. These treatments are an essential part of ensuring that you and your family are protected from tooth decay.
If you or your kids need fluoride treatment, please contact Woodlane Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for an appointment.
