For several decades, dentists have recommended fluoride as part of an excellent hygiene and preventive dental care routine. The reason is because of how fluoride interacts with your teeth’s natural defenses—namely, it’s protective layer of enamel. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to keep their enamel strong enough to repel harmful oral bacteria. Made almost entirely of minerals, enamel is highly resilient. But, sometimes, it needs a boost from fluoride to remain strong in the midst of attacks from acidic foods and harmful oral bacteria.
The Key to Strong Teeth
Tooth enamel is a uniquely resilient layer of mineral crystals, made mostly of calcium, phosphate, and trace amounts of other minerals. When healthy, this layer can effectively protect the main structures of your teeth, especially from harmful oral bacteria that lead to tooth decay and cavities. While strong, enamel can be weakened by acidic foods and from oral bacteria that turn sugar and carbs into similar acids. When enamel grows weak, your risks of experiencing tooth decay become significantly higher.
How Fluoride Helps
As a mineral, fluoride offers the substantial benefit of bonding to weakened layers of enamel, revitalizing the protective barrier to reduce your risks of enamel erosion and cavities. Fluoride is a common addition to most toothpastes and dental hygiene products. It can also be applied topically at your dentist’s office for more immediate benefits if you’re at an increased risk of tooth decay. With the help of fluoride, you can keep your enamel strong and healthy enough to avoid cavity development for life.
Learn More About Fluoride’s Benefit to Your Teeth
With a combination of regular preventive care, excellent hygiene, and the help of fluoride, you have a better chance of enjoying healthier, stronger teeth for life. To learn more, schedule an appointment, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).
Recent Comments