Blog Layout
Fluoride: Your Teeth’s Best Friend
Cherrywood Dental • May 15, 2019
Most people have heard of fluoride and associate the powerful mineral with a trip to the dentist’s office. However, many don’t understand what fluoride is, where it can be found, and how it benefits our teeth. Here is a quick overview of how a simple mineral with significant cavity-fighting powers can benefit our teeth as well as our overall health!
What is Fluoride?
The American Dental Association identifies fluoride as a natural mineral that helps to prevent cavities. While the mineral occurs naturally in several foods, it’s commonly used as a staple ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash. Its ability to strengthen tooth enamel makes it an important part of oral health.
How Can Fluoride Benefit My Teeth?
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and consistently providing your teeth with an adequate amount of fluoride is one of the best ways to prevent cavities. Cavities occur because of weakened enamel. However, fluoride’s ability to strengthen enamel greatly improves overall oral health and fights the corrosion of teeth.
Fluoride’s cavity-fighting powers benefit both children and adults. The mineral’s systemic benefit sets teeth up for success before they break through the gums by strengthening the new teeth and making it easier for them to resist decay once they come through the gums, and fluoride’s topical benefit strengthens teeth that have begun to weaken over time.
What are Some Common Sources of Fluoride?
As a natural mineral, fluoride occurs in several of the foods we consume. Some foods and drinks rich in the mineral include:
- Potatoes
- Crab
- Tea
- Wine
- Most water sources also contain significant natural fluoride
Other sources include:
- Most types of toothpaste and mouthwash
- Professional fluoride treatments
- Fluoride supplements–generally recommended for children whose water sources do not provide adequate fluoride
At Cherrywood Dental Associates, we care about educating our patients on the most effective ways to care for their teeth. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment!