Benefits of Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in rocks and soil, and a low concentration of fluoride can be found even in the ground and ocean water. But more importantly, this mineral has the ability to fight dental cavities and make the teeth’s structure stronger and cavity  resistant. In this blog, let us know more about how fluoride benefits our teeth. 

What are the Benefits of Fluoride for the Teeth?

Fluoride plays an important role in your oral health. Some of the health benefits of fluorides are:

• Protects tooth enamel:

Tooth enamel is the visible outermost layer of your teeth that protects against physical and chemical damage. Tooth enamel is under constant attack by acid-producing bacteria in our mouth and a weakened enamel makes your teeth sensitive. Fluoride prevents the tooth enamel from breaking down and reduces the teeth' sensitivity.

• Mineralization of teeth:

Acids also destroy vital minerals that make up the teeth. Fluoride reverses the damage by putting these vital minerals back into your teeth. This process is called remineralisation.

• Preventing bacterial overgrowth:

Fluoride combines with saliva to ensure that the teeth get a constant fluoride bath, providing continuous protection against bacteria.

Are There any Adverse Effects of Fluoride on Your Health?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound having many health benefits, but if consumed in large doses it causes some side effects too.

• Dental Fluorosis 

Dental fluorosis, which causes white spots or faint lines across the teeth, occurs due to prolonged consumption of fluoride in the early years of life, when the teeth are still forming inside the gums. 

Most of those affected with dental fluorosis are children under the age of 8, whose permanent teeth are yet to appear. To avoid this, make sure your child does not brush his teeth more than thrice daily or use mouthwash more than a few times per day.  

• Bone Fragility

Skeletal fluorosis is a rare disease that occurs due to an excess intake of fluoride. This condition causes the bones to become fragile and hence raises the risk of bone injuries.

How to Make Fluoride Available to the Teeth

Here are some of the best ways to get fluoride for your teeth - 

• Drink the right amount of fluoridated water
• Brush and rinse with fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinses.
• Get a dentist to apply fluoride to your teeth directly with a varnish. Talk to experienced dentists like Dr. Sasha Mahabir, DDS, and Dr. Rahul Gandhi, DMD, at South Friendswood Dental Associates in Friendswood, Texas, about fluoride treatments.
• Take fluoride supplements prescribed by your doctor.

Want to take your dental care to the next level? Call Call (281) 482-7731 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahabir, DDS, or Dr. Gandhi, DMD, at South Friendswood Dental Associates or drop in to meet the experts at 699 S Friendswood Drive, Suite #108, Friendswood, TX 77546.