What Does Fluoride Do to Your Teeth?
You’ve probably seen fluoride listed on toothpaste labels and maybe even in your tap water, but have you ever wondered what it actually does for your teeth? Our experienced Point Pleasant dentist breaks down how fluoride works to protect your enamel and prevent cavities below.
Key Takeaways:
- Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps make your teeth stronger and protects against cavities.
- Getting fluoride, through water or dental products, is important for keeping your teeth healthy.
- Professional fluoride treatments give extra protection, especially for children prone to cavities.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and certain foods. It’s a compound of the element fluorine, which is abundant in the Earth’s crust. Fluoride is important for dental health because it helps strengthen tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of our teeth.
What Does Fluoride Do to Your Teeth?
The primary role of fluoride is to strengthen tooth enamel, which makes it more resilient against decay. When we eat or drink, bacteria in our mouths feed on the sugars and carbohydrates left behind and produce acids that can erode enamel. Fluoride helps counteract this process by reinforcing the enamel, promoting remineralization, and slowing bacterial growth.
How Does Fluoride Reduce Cavities and Strengthen Teeth?
Fluoride works mainly by reinforcing the enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to decay. Every time you eat or drink, bacteria in your mouth feed on leftover sugars and carbohydrates, which produce acids that can wear down enamel. Fluoride helps stop that process by repairing weakened enamel and slowing bacterial growth.
When fluoride is present, it also helps your teeth absorb minerals like calcium and phosphate. These rebuild the enamel and create a stronger structure called fluorapatite, which makes your teeth more resistant to acid attacks.
Is Fluoride Safe?
Yes, fluoride is safe when used correctly. Numerous studies and health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), endorse its use in community water supplies and dental products. However, too much fluoride can cause problems, especially in children.
The main concern is too much fluoride in young children, which can cause dental fluorosis: white spots or streaks on the teeth. Parents can prevent this by supervising brushing and making sure children use only a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Always check with your dentist before giving children fluoride supplements, especially if they already drink fluoridated water.
Where Does Fluoride Come From?
As mentioned above, fluoride is naturally found in a few different places, including:
- Water: Many communities add fluoride to their drinking water to help reduce cavities. The recommended level is typically around 0.7 milligrams per liter.
- Food: Certain foods, such as fish, tea, and some fruits and vegetables, naturally contain fluoride.
- Dental Products: Toothpaste and mouth rinses often include fluoride to strengthen teeth. Fluoride can also be applied in higher concentrations through professional treatments for extra protection.
What Are Fluoride Treatments and Supplements?
Professional fluoride treatments are a concentrated form of fluoride applied directly to the teeth, usually as a varnish or foam. Many dentists recommend them for people at higher risk of cavities, including those with thin enamel, gum disease, or a history of tooth decay. Treatments are usually repeated every few months, depending on your needs.
Ready to Schedule? Get in Touch with Our Point Pleasant Dentist Today
Whether you have questions about fluoride treatments or want to learn more about how fluoride can benefit your oral health, contact our Point Pleasant dentists or call 732-714-1030 today for more information!
About the Author: Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 714-1030!