How Fluoride Strengthens Tooth Enamel

Our teeth are protected from cavities by a shiny, outer layer called tooth enamel. While enamel is tough, it can be destroyed by plaque until holes develop within the tooth, causing a cavity. Fluoride treatments are an effective way to combat tooth decay as the mineral works to strengthen permanent teeth and repair early stages of damage to the tooth enamel. Fluoride is in most water sources but can also be found in toothpaste, mouthwash and in professionally-applied treatments at the dental office. Find out how fluoride can strengthen your teeth and how you can implement it into your daily oral hygiene routine with this guide!

Understanding Tooth Enamel’s Role In Oral Health

Teeth are the strongest substance in the body, but if they aren’t taken care of, they can deteriorate from decay and disease. One of the most important protections that our teeth naturally create is tooth enamel. The purpose of tooth enamel is to protect the inner layers of teeth from acid and it lessens the sensitivity that you feel when drinking or eating hot/cold foods and beverages. Tooth enamel covers the outer layer of each tooth and it’s what makes your teeth shiny. It’s hard and the most highly mineralized substance in the entire body, making it a perfect barrier for teeth against plaque. Unfortunately, tooth enamel does not regenerate; it doesn’t contain any living cells, so once it’s gone, it’s gone. That’s why it’s so important to protect the tooth enamel that you have because it’s all you will get for your lifetime. Foods that contain high levels of sugar and acid are major contributors to the erosion of tooth enamel, which leads you to cavities. Once your tooth enamel is damaged enough, decay can seep into your teeth and make holes (cavities) that are painful. At this point, you will need the care of a dentist to restore your tooth to its proper health.

What Does Fluoride Do For Teeth?

Since cavities have become such a problem, fluoride has made its rise to fame over the last few decades as a way to combat tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural cavity fighter as it strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid and plaque. While fluoride treatments are typically given to children as their teeth tend to be most vulnerable, adults also benefit from fluoride. Fluoride is found in most community water sources, food, beverages and supplements, and when consumed, it helps harden the enamel you already have and makes it that much stronger. When fluoride is consumed, it actually becomes a part of your saliva. As your mouth washes itself with saliva, your teeth have even more exposure to fluoride and therefore more protection from decay. Fluoride can also reverse the effects of tooth decay by rebuilding weakened enamel, if taken early on. Since the introduction of fluoride to the dental industry and food sources, millions of people throughout the years have reaped the benefits of less cavities and stronger tooth enamel.

Where To Get Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in lakes, oceans, wells and rivers, and it has been added to most community water supplies across the United States. Before fluoride was added to public water systems, children had on average three times the number of cavities than they do now. By simply drinking water, you can receive the recommended amount of fluoride each day. However, if your drinking water doesn’t supply sufficient levels of fluoride, there are other routes you can take to make sure that you and your family are getting the amount you need for healthy teeth. Many toothpastes contain fluoride, but you’ll want to make sure that the brand has the ADA Seal of Acceptance to confirm that it actually has fluoride in it. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste will also help reduce the number of cavities you have, along with fluoridated mouthwash. However, too much fluoride isn’t good for the body, so make sure to monitor children as they use toothpaste and mouthwash to ensure that they aren’t swallowing it. In severe cases, fluoride supplements can be given to children who live in areas that don’t have fluoridated water and are at a higher risk of cavities. While rare, children between the ages of six months to sixteen years old can qualify for these supplements in this case. Lastly, many patients receive fluoride treatments from their dentist in a professional application. These treatments are typically applied directly to your teeth in a rinse, foam or gel form. If you suspect that you or your children aren’t receiving the recommended level of fluoride, talk with your dentist to discuss options to improve your oral health.

Protect Your Oral Health With Our Help!

At Stonebrook Family Dental, we focus on the needs of our clients and do all we can to keep their teeth healthy and strong. If you’re experiencing higher levels of tooth sensitivity, it may be your tooth enamel that’s suffering. Call our office today at (303) 872-7907 to find out more information about fluoride treatments and how it can strengthen your tooth enamel. Your health concerns are our concerns, so call today to schedule a consultation!