What Is Fluoride And Do You Really Need It?

Fluoride is best known for protecting teeth, but just how does it do that? Let’s understand what exactly is fluoride, and do you really need it?

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a colorless, naturally-occurring mineral which when applied in small doses, has proven to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

When you visit your dentist for a routine dental checkup, you can opt for a concentrated fluoride treatment, which usually comes in the form of a flavored gel or varnish.

How does fluoride protect your teeth?

Fluoride protects teeth in the following ways:

• Protection against Demineralisation of Enamel:

Fluoride application in kids till the age of seven years,alters the structure of the developing enamel by providing a favourable oral environment; so as to make it more resistant to decay because of acid attack.

This means that, as the child grows, he will have teeth that are,better protected right from the beginning.

• Remineralisation of Enamel:

When plaque builds up on and around the teeth, the destructive bacteria within it is in direct contact with the enamel of the teeth. The bacteria slowly eat away the enamel and weaken it by leaching vital minerals out of it.

While the mouth naturally fixes the weakened enamel through remineralization, the natural process can become ineffective if teeth are not cleaned properly or if too much sugar enters the mouth on a regular basis.

When teeth are subjected to alternating demineralisation and remineralisation as described above, the presence of low levels of fluoride in the plaque and saliva both encourages remineralisation and ensures that the reparative enamel crystals that are laid down are of improved quality.

• Reduction in the ability of the plaque bacteria to produce acid:

This is a major factor in the prevention of tooth decay. It results from the ability of the plaque bacteria to concentrate the low levels of fluoride at the tooth surface up to a level which inhibits the function of some enzymes which are essential to the bacteria’s ability to produce acid.

How can you make sure you’re getting enough fluoride?

The most effective way to ensure that you are introducing fluoride into your mouth, and one of the most important steps in the general oral care, is to brush your teeth twice each day with fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure that when you are brushing, you take the time to go over and around each tooth on all sides and along the gum line to ensure that you aren’t leaving any area uncleaned or unprotected.

Having a regular dental checkup every six months is also extremely important, not just because your mouth will be professionally cleaned, but also because you should receive a concentrated fluoride treatment each time. The treatment may come in the form of a flavored gel that is applied using special trays or a varnish that is simply painted onto the teeth.

Want to opt for fluoride treatment, then come visit us at The Dental Spa!