It seems like nearly every toothpaste out there claims to offer extra protection. With such a wide selection of oral care products to choose from, sometimes it can be difficult to narrow down your options to just the ones that will actually help keep your smile the healthiest. For that, our team at Imagine Dental loves a product that contains extra Fluoride. Here’s why it’s important to your dental health.
Nature’s Cavity Fighter
Fluoride is found naturally in nearly every water source. Many cities also choose to enhance their municipal water systems with extra fluoride. It has the amazing ability to not only combat tooth decay, but even remineralize portions of your teeth that have already begun to decay. Here’s how it works:
Bacteria in your mouth will feed on the sugars and carbohydrates left over from the food and drinks you consume. This produces waste in the form of an acid. This acid is the root (no pun intended) cause of nearly every yucky thing about your mouth, from bad breath, to discolored teeth, to cavities. In fact, cavities are usually the result of that acid wearing away at your tooth’s enamel until its protective layer is breached and the underlying bone and mineral is affected.
Fluoride is a different mineral from the ones that make up the bone of your teeth, but nonetheless, it works to strengthen teeth that have begun to experience decay. It remineralizes rotting areas of your tooth while reinforcing areas that have not yet decayed. Once you introduce fluoride, the acids that are always present in your mouth do not act nearly as quickly.
Where to Find Fluoride
If your teeth are prone to cavities and decay, your dentist may recommend that you switch to a toothpaste or mouthwash that contains extra fluoride. Dentists also often recommend that children who show signs of early tooth decay switch to a Fluoride-enhanced tooth care regimen.
Looking to strengthen your teeth while getting a leg up on the fight against cavities? Talk to your dentist to see if a Fluoride paste or mouthwash is right for you. Give us a call at 602-595-3600 to book your appointment.
