Fluoride: Nature’s Cavity Fighter

Fluoride plays a crucial role in dental health, offering significant protection against tooth decay. Here’s how fluoride benefits your smile and easy ways to ensure you get enough.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and helping to prevent and reverse tooth decay. It benefits teeth before they even emerge by fortifying enamel through dietary sources and continues to protect and repair enamel after teeth erupt.

Common Fluoride Sources 

Water

Essentially all natural water sources, such as rivers, lakes, wells, and the ocean, contain fluoride. However, fluoride contents vary in these water sources, so for the past 70 years, many public water sources have started adding fluoride to their water to the ideal amount to fight against tooth decay. Water fluoridation has had a lot of success in communities that participate in it. About 75% of the population has access to community water systems, so double-check if your home water source is fluoridated before relying on your tap water for a fluoride source!

Toothpaste & Mouthwash

Since the 1960s, toothpaste with fluoride has been on the market. Not all toothpaste contains fluoride. Look for the ADA seal of approval to ensure you’re getting the full benefits. Adding a mouthwash with fluoride will give your smile extra protection against tooth decay. However, make sure to never give children under the age of 6 a fluoridated mouthwash. Young children’s reflexes are still developing, so they tend to swallow mouthwash accidentally. 

Fluoride Supplement

Fluoride supplements come in tablets, drops, or lozenges and are only available by prescription. They are recommended for children ages six months to 16 years old who are at a high risk of tooth decay and are living in a community with a water source that doesn’t have a significant amount of fluoride. 

Professional Fluoride Treatment

If you have a history of cavities or are at a high risk of developing them, your dentist may suggest in-office fluoride treatments. Your dentist will directly apply fluoride to your teeth in a gel, foam, or rinse. 

Why Fluoride Matters

Fluoride is a powerful natural tool for combating tooth decay. Ensure you and your family have reliable fluoride sources to maintain healthy, cavity-free smiles.

Also Check : Top 5 Options for Replacing Missing Tooth: Pros and Cons of Each