Fluoride Facts

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian Categories: Oral Health

Many people have confusion or misinformation about fluoride and what exactly it does for dental health. Between fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste, and in-office treatments, there’s a lot to unpack! Luckily, we’re here to help you understand everything about this useful addition to your oral care routine.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring cavity fighting agent. It’s often present in natural bodies of water such as rivers and lakes, or is added to products such as toothpaste and mouthwashes. Fluoride works by rebuilding decaying enamel, keeping teeth strong and resistant to cavities and erosion.

Is it safe?

Studies have been done for over 70 years in the United States on the effects of fluoride and fluoridated water on the teeth. Not only is it completely safe for both children and adults, studies have shown that fluoride can help reduce the risk of cavities and decay by at least 25%!

What is the benefit of fluoridated water?

When you drink water with fluoride in it, it becomes part of the saliva. Because saliva is in our mouths all the time, it’s essentially washing our teeth with a tiny bit of fluoride constantly, allowing for consistent protection. As of 2012, almost 75% of the United States population lives in a community where the public water (the stuff that comes out of your tap!) is fluoridated.

My community doesn’t have fluoridated water. What should I do?

There are many fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market that can help strengthen your enamel little by little every day. Your dentist can also do fluoride treatments in-office, with either a fluoride foam or a varnish. Whichever fluoride you use, it’s easy, pain-free, and beneficial.

Much like anything else, moderation is key in terms of fluoride use. Too much and you’re at risk of fluorosis (a pain-free and functionally harmless discoloration of the enamel), or too little and you won’t get the benefits. Talk to your dentist to determine how much and which methods of fluoride are best for you.

Source.

The Steps to Becoming a Dentist

If you’ve ever thought that a career in dentistry might be right for you, then read this! To become a dentist, you have to be willing to complete multiple years of school and be patient enough to work with people. How it starts: Complete a bachelors degree Completing a bachelor’s degree is step one in […]

Gum Health: Indicative Of More Than A Healthy Smile

What’s the cause of 90% of tooth loss? According to the ADA, gum disease and tooth decay are the major culprits. However, if we take the correct measures to keep our gums healthy, the future looks much brighter for our smiles… and our bodies. When there is a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, our […]

What’s the Link Between Gum Disease and Your Prostate?

Every year, more than 3 million men suffer from prostatitis. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that can cause pain, difficulty urinating, and even flu-like symptoms. While this is a fairly common disease, what isn’t as commonly known about it is that prostatitis and gum disease are linked. One study found that men who […]

Are Your Teeth Responsible for That Headache?

Swallowing doesn’t seem like strenuous exercise, but consider the fact that people do it on average 2000 times a day and suddenly it starts adding up. Most people can handle this rigorous exercise routine, but people with missing teeth or poor tooth alignment have to put a little bit more effort into swallowing, resulting in […]

Is There a Link Between Cancer and Poor Oral Health?

If you suffer from swollen gums, missing teeth, or other poor oral health symptoms, then you may be at a higher risk of contracting human papillomavirus. Known as HPV, the human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted disease that results in cancers of the cervix, mouth, and throat. If you have poor oral hygiene, you are […]