Flash a Healthier Smile with Help from Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral commonly used in dental practices. It’s even added to water. Why? Not only does fluoride strengthen enamel, it can also prevent cavities! Discover the natural power of fluoride below.

Is Fluoride Good For Your Teeth?

Fluoride is naturally found both in our bodies and in our surroundings. Fluoride occurs in bones, teeth, water, soil, plants, and even some foods and drinks. This powerful mineral works to rebuild, or remineralize, weakened tooth enamel, thus protecting your teeth against harmful bacteria growth. This is especially important because that harmful bacteria is exactly what causes tooth decay and cavities. 

Fluoride isn’t a new phenomenon. According to the CDC, 12-year-old children in America from the late 1960s to the early 1990s showed a 68% decrease in missing or decaying teeth. This was shortly after the expansion of fluoridated water in communities and the introduction of more fluoride toothpaste and dental products. Nearly 30 years later, we still use fluoride as an active ingredient in toothpaste and water fluoridation to fight tooth decay every day.

To read more about the history of fluoride in dental practice, click here!

The Benefits Of Fluoride

Bacteria in your mouth can wreak havoc on your enamel. Bad bacteria break down sugar and carbs, which then produce enamel-eating acids. Fluoride combats this by:

• Remineralizing tooth enamel
• Slowing down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel
• Reversing signs of tooth decay
• Preventing more harmful bacteria growth

To receive these fluoridated benefits, it’s fairly easy to find a product that works for you and your family. Many kinds of toothpaste and mouth rinses have fluoride as their active ingredient. You can also take supplements or drink fluoridated water. If you have questions about the best way to incorporate fluoride into your daily routine, contact Springfield’s team of dentists in Springfield, Ohio. 

Fluoride: Is It Safe? 

If you’ve done any research about fluoride, you’ve more than likely run into the question of safety. You’ll be relieved to hear that fluoride is generally safe and only becomes harmful when consumed in large amounts. That means that brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, using mouthwash or drinking fluoridated water won’t wreck your health. Furthermore, researchers around the world have found that adding low concentrations of fluoride to drinking water causes no health problems aside from occasional mild cases of dental fluorosis. Even then, dental fluorosis only causes white spots to appear on your teeth, with no other symptoms or harm. 

Still, if you’re concerned with your fluoride intake, you can contact your local government about fluoride in your city’s water. You can also avoid fluoride dental products fairly easily, as there are hundreds of types of toothpastes on the market. 

Safe for the Whole Family

Fluoride is safe for kids, too! In fact, before teeth break through the gums, any fluoride taken in from foods and drinks can contribute to strengthening tooth enamel. Again, fluoride only becomes a danger when too much is consumed. To reduce any risks, monitor your child’s dental hygiene routine to ensure they don’t swallow toothpaste or other dental hygiene products. 

Topical Fluoride Treatments from Springfield Dental Group 

The bottom line: Fluoride is a great, natural tool to fight tooth decay. At Springfield Dental Group, we believe in the power of fluoride. That’s why we offer topical fluoride treatments! These treatments are safe for all members of your family and work as an extra defense against decay, cavities and bacteria build up in the teeth and gums. 

Want more information on Springfield’s fluoride treatments? Ready to schedule your appointment? We’re here to walk you through every step and answer any questions. Click the link below to get in touch with us today!