Fluoride is a common ingredient in many dental products. It’s a naturally occurring mineral found in your teeth, bones, certain foods, water, and the earth or created in a lab. This mineral strengthens tooth enamel. Teeth with strong enamel have a greater defense against decay and cavities.
How Does Fluoride Work
Understanding how cavities form helps you understand the importance of fluoride. Your mouth uses bacteria to break down sugars and carbohydrates. This bacteria causes acid to form in your mouth, causing your enamel to deteriorate. Enamel breaks down from these acids (or demineralization), exposing your teeth to cavity-causing bacteria. Strengthening enamel is the key to cavity protection. That’s where fluoride comes in. Fluoride helps re-mineralize your tooth enamel, creating a stronger barrier to protect your teeth.
Fluoride for Dental Use
Dentists use recommended products with fluoride to help improve your dental health. Many products contain fluoride like toothpaste, mouth rinses, supplements, and even prescription options. These prescription toothpaste and mouthwashes have higher concentrations of fluoride. At Houlik Family Dentistry, we offer prescription-strength options for our patients. Since every mouth is different, we access your overall oral health needs and provide you with the best possible solutions. We offer fluoride treatments at your bi-annual cleanings to protect your freshly cleaned teeth.
Want to Protect Your Teeth?
Houlik Family Dentistry is passionate about the personalized care we provide for our patients. It’s important for you to be informed, comfortable, and have the best solutions for your oral health. We would love to share our favorite product recommendations. Book an appointment with Dr. Houlik to learn more about fluoride or other dental topics.
