The Importance of Fluoride in Dentistry 

Fluoride is recognized by the ADA as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay in children and adults. If you have come in for a dental cleaning, you know that we offer fluoride treatments here at Stonebrook Family Dental. To learn more about why fluoride is so important to your dental health, keep reading!   

What is Fluoride? 

Fluoride is a natural cavity fighter. It is a naturally-occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities in children and adults by strengthening the enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and tooth decay. MouthHealthy by the American Dental Association explains how fluoride protects your teeth:

As children, before teeth come in, the fluoride taken in from foods, drinks, and supplements makes the tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. This is what we call a ‘systemic’ benefit. 

Once teeth erupt, fluoride can help rebuild weakened enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. At home, you can use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash that will directly hit your teeth. This is what is called a ‘topical’ benefit. 

Additionally, the more you consume foods and drinks with fluoride, the more of a topical benefit you get because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly coating the teeth with small amounts of fluoride that can work to strengthen enamel.

Where Do I Find Fluoride? 

Now that you know the benefits of fluoride, how do you get it? The easiest way to get it is through your tap water. In many communities in the United States, the water has it. 

Community water fluoridation is recommended by nearly all dental organizations and public health professionals. The Center for Disease Control explains that because of its contribution to the large decline in cavities, it named community water fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. 

You can also find fluoride in different brands of toothpastes and mouthwashes at the store. Here are some tips from the American Dental Association: 

• Brush your teeth twice a day (morning and night) or as directed by your dentist.
• For children younger than 3 years, start brushing their teeth as soon as they start to appear in the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice.
• For children 3 to 6 years old, use no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Always supervise your child’s brushing to make sure they use the right amount and try to get your child to spit out most of the toothpaste.

Additionally, mouthwash can be found with this as well and it can help your teeth fight decay. However, children under the age of six shouldn’t use it unless told to do so by their dentist. 

The Benefits of Fluoride

When you use fluoride, you’ll notice it is beneficial because it helps:

• Rebuild weakened tooth enamel
• Slow down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel
• Reverse early signs of tooth decay
• Prevent growth of harmful oral bacteria

Signs You Need Fluoride

The biggest sign that you need fluoride is if you begin to show early signs of tooth decay. Early signs of tooth decay can be random tooth pain, toothaches that appear suddenly, sensitive teeth, pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet food and drinks. 

Tooth decay is common in children and adults. No matter your age, cavities can affect you. In fact, tooth decay is four times more common than asthma in teens. Further, in adults, 9 out of 10 people over 20 years old have some form of tooth decay. 

See a Dentist

If you have questions about fluoride or don’t know how to use it, come see Dr. Kevin Varley and Stonebrook Family Dental. In addition to teaching you about fluoride, Dr. Varley also provides advanced family, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. Stonebrook Family Dental is your go-to place, no matter your age. When you come into the dentist, no matter how healthy you are, you will need a cleaning and exam by Dr. Varley. A visit to our office can help treat any conditions you have and prevent future problems. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Varley

Dr. Varley has many years of experience in dentistry and is more than qualified to help you and whatever your needs are. Our staff at Stonebrook Family Dental is trained to help answer any questions you have as well. Conveniently located in Aurora, CO and serving the surrounding areas, we’re here for you. Make an appointment today by calling: (303)-872-7907.