Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral element that plays a great role in ensuring dental health. Known to strengthen teeth and thereby prevent tooth decay, this ingredient is used pervasively in all dental health products and even public health initiatives. Here's everything you need to know about the role fluoride plays in dental health and how it can benefit you.

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What Is Fluoride?

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Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral primarily derived from water, the soil, plants, and even in some foods. It is widely known to enhance dental health as it hardens tooth enamel, rendering them less prone to decay.

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How Fluoride Works

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Fluoride works to promote dental health through two primary mechanisms:

Remineralization:

Fluoride repairs early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. Fluoride enhances the process of remineralization by attracting other minerals, such as calcium and phosphate, more toward the tooth surface to rebuild enameled that is weakened, thus reversing early decay.
Bacterial Activity Inhibition:

Fluoride disrupts the ability of bacteria to produce acid, a byproduct of their digestion of sugars. Reducing the acid production will help Fluoride to avoid the demineralization of the tooth enamel.

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Sources of Fluoride

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Fluoride can be found in several sources, each contributing to its intake and effectiveness:

Drinking Water: Many communities add fluoride to their public water supply, a practice endorsed by numerous health organizations for cavity preventing benefits.

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Toothpaste: A significant number of toothpaste brands include fluoride to provide a daily quantity directly to the teeth.

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Mouth Rinses: Fluoride mouth rinses may be used for extra protection, notably among people who are at greater risk for caries.

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Dietary Supplements: In some cases, fluoride supplements may be indicated, mainly among children in non-fluoridated areas.

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Benefits of Fluoride

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Fluoride offers a number of benefits associated with its extensive application in dental care:

Cavity Prevention: Fluoride is very substantive in preventing tooth decay in both children and adults by strengthening tooth enamel, hence making it much more resistant to acid produced from bacteria in the mouth.
Reduces Tooth Sensitivity: Fluoride treatments can help reduce tooth sensitivity by making the dentin  much more sturdy and, in turn, protecting it with strengthened enamel.
Better overall mouth health as a result of the usual fluoride utilization results in less complex dental treatment being required. This, then enables both healthier teeth and gums.

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Fluoride Safe Use

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Although fluoride is excellent, it must be utilized appropriately to avoid dangers related to its utilization. These include:

The Right Amount: Apply only the quantity of fluoride toothpaste, which dentists recommend – a pea-sized amount for adults and a smaller amount the size of a rice grain for children under six years.
Overuse Should Be Avoided: Excess fluoride causes dental fluorosis, characterized by discoloration and irregularities of the tooth surface. This is a concern only during the period of tooth development, as occurred in children.

Regular dental check-ups will help ensure that you get the right amount of fluoride. Fluoride treatments by dentists are professional applications. The dentists can also give you some individual advice regarding its use.

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Fluoride is one of the most essential elements in dental health since it not only prevents cavities but also strengthens enamel and helps reduce tooth sensitivity. Using fluoride as an integral ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwashes, or even drinking water can go a long way in oral health.

Need professional dental care to enhance and maintain that great smile? Dr. Ryan Savage is the dentist for you. Visit here to schedule your consultation to get on the right track to a lasting, stunning smile.

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