Did you dentist in Salem, NH recommend that you use fluoride? Here's everything you need to know about fluoride and how it can protect your smile.
About
a third of adults in the USA have untreated tooth decay. If you wish to avoid becoming a part of this statistic, dental care must be a priority.
Avoiding tooth decay is not difficult when you practice good dental hygiene. Your smile not only brings self-confidence but also affects how you relate to those around you, this is why you need to protect your teeth.
You probably already know that fluoride is one of the most important minerals for protecting your teeth. However, you may still be wondering what is fluoride. If you've been thinking more about this subject lately, take a look at the benefits of fluoride, and the importance of fluoride treatments from a dentist in Salem, NH.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in the earth's crust. Some foods naturally contain fluoride. Fluoride is often added to the drinking water that comes through your tap.
Adding fluoride to the water strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay. Some areas have naturally fluoridated water, while others need to be artificially introduced.
Fluoride is also a common ingredient in most toothpaste. This is one of the most popular ways in which people get fluoride on their teeth.
You can also go to a
dentist's office to have fluoride applied to your teeth. The fluoride applied to your teeth will be in the form of a varnish, gel, or foam.
The fluoride treatment that your dentist uses will have a higher concentration of fluoride than any toothpaste or mouthwash you may use.
Fluoride varnish is used to coat the teeth and foams go into a mouthguard. Gels may also go into a mouthguard. However, they may get painted on as well.
How Does Fluoride Work?
The benefits of fluoride are many, and its cavity-fighting power is renowned. It is extremely effective at preventing cavities because whenever you use toothpaste that contains fluoride, the fluoride will become a part of your saliva. This is how fluoride gets on your teeth.
Your enamel then absorbs the fluoride. The fluoride will naturally bond with the calcium and phosphate ions that make up your enamel. This combination is what helps to prevent your teeth from decaying.
Fluoride makes use of the demineralizing and remineralizing processes that take place in the mouth. The bacteria in your mouth will feed on any sugar or carbohydrates in your mouth and produce acid. This acid gets into the saliva making it acidic.
When saliva is acidic and gets on your teeth it will weaken your tooth enamel. Fluoride is a mineral that fights against the demineralization process that occurs. It helps to offset the negative effects of the acid in your saliva.
Sometimes your saliva is not very acidic. When this happens fluoride will aid in the replenishing of calcium and phosphate ions. This process will help to make your teeth a lot stronger. The process by which fluoride helps to replenish calcium and phosphate ions is known as remineralization.
Remineralization is important because your teeth begin to decay when a lot of minerals are lost. This is why it is important that fluoride goes into your bloodstream or that you use it topically to prevent tooth decay.
The Safety of Fluoride
body then it can become dangerous. If you are exposed to too much fluoride in your bloodstream or on your teeth you can get what is called dental fluorosis.
You can tell that someone has been affected by dental fluorosis because their teeth will have white spots on them. Children are especially vulnerable to this condition if they swallow too much toothpaste that has fluoride in it.
You can take your child to a dental office in Salem, NH so that a dentist can examine their teeth if you suspect this has happened to them.
Fluoride Supplements
Most people get enough fluoride from the water that they drink or from using products that contain fluoride in their mouths. However, there are times when you may not get enough fluoride from any of these sources.
When this happens your Salem dentist will give you a fluoride treatment to ensure that your teeth remain in good condition.
Fluoride supplements can be given to both adults and children if they lack adequate fluoride in the products that they use or the water that they drink.
Fluoride supplements can be taken either in liquid form or as tablets.
Fluoride rinses are also available to ensure that you get enough fluoride. It's important to note that even with the best fluoride supplements, the best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss. Good daily dental care will prevent tooth decay which can lead to tooth loss.
Visit a Dentist in Salem, NH
Now you know exactly what is fluoride and how it can help your teeth. Fluoride is an essential mineral for keeping teeth healthy.
There are many ways that you can get fluoride in your bloodstream or on your teeth so that it can help to prevent tooth decay that can lead to cavities.
Fluoride use is critical for preventing dental emergencies.
You must ensure that fluoride is consistently a part of your dental routine. Make sure you use it in toothpaste, mouthwash, and supplements where necessary.
If you would like excellent dental care, please do not hesitate to
contact us for an appointment, with a qualified dentist in Salem, NH.
