Many of the oral health products on shelves today contain fluoride, and it’s also common to find fluoride added to public water supplies. Dr. Datta Malyavantham and his Ridgetop Dental Group team in Reston, VA understand the maintenance and care of your smile is an important part of your healthcare, and we are dedicated to helping you have the best oral health.
Learn more about how fluoride strengthens teeth and its positive effects on your smile.
What Makes Fluoride Good For Teeth?
What makes fluoride so effective is its chemical properties that strengthen tooth enamel. The enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth that is susceptible to cavities when it is weakened. Fluoride is often called “nature’s cavity fighter” because it is capable of restoring weakened enamel and making your teeth stronger.
Fluoride is a mineral, which means that our bodies cannot make it. Fortunately, it occurs naturally in water sources, and we can get it from drinking water or topical fluoride sources like mouthwash or toothpaste.
When we consume fluoride, the tooth enamel absorbs it and uses it in a process called remineralization. This process reverses early stages of tooth decay by helping teeth replace phosphorus and calcium, which are compounds that make tooth enamel hard. Fluoride must be present to allow the enamel to absorb the minerals that keep teeth strong.
Why Kids May Need Fluoride Treatments
In children, fluoride works beneath the gum line before teeth have erupted to ensure they develop properly. As children are still learning good oral hygiene, their dentist may recommend a topical treatment such as an at-home gel or an in-office fluoride varnish to ensure they are maximizing fluoride’s benefits.
Keep Enamel Strong At All Ages
Adults need fluoride, too. Many public water supplies have fluoride added to them, and most toothpaste and mouthwash has added fluoride. Combining topical treatments with consuming fluoride keeps teeth strong and provides large scale dental care cost savings across communities.
Don’t forget to schedule your regular dental exams and maintain good oral hygiene. Fluoride treatments are just one of the many ways you can keep your teeth healthy for the rest of your life.
Call Ridgetop Dental Group today to learn more ways to take care of your smile.