Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums
You might have seen a lot of brands of toothpaste boasting of having fluoride as an ingredient. It might have left you wondering what fluoride is and why is it used as a constituent of toothpaste. Well, fluoride is a mineral with excellent benefits to your health. Commonly found in soil, water and many food items, it is now being incorporated in toothpaste, mouthwashes, etc. Its main job is to provide strength to the enamel, which in turn prevents the development of cavities in teeth.
Fluoride comes from fluorine element and is found naturally in the earth’s crust. Its ability to prevent the process of demineralization of teeth makes it a safe ingredient to be present in mouth cleaning substances. Some countries also add fluoride to their drinking water to prevent tooth decay in the population.
Benefits of fluoride:
Fluoride not only strengthens the outer layer or enamel of the teeth but also reverses the damage that has already been caused to the teeth. Some benefits of using fluoride are:
Sources:
Fluoride is derived naturally from water, air and soil. Supplements of fluoride are also prescribed by healthcare professionals in case of its deficiency. Consuming water added with fluoride can prevent and reverse many signs of tooth decay in both children and adults.
Associated side effects:
Just like any other substance, the consumption of too much fluoride can cause damage to your health. The safety risks associated with a high dosage of fluoride are:
To sum up, fluoride plays a key role in maintaining your dental health. To ensure that your teeth are getting enough fluoride to prevent any decay or cavities, regularly get them checked by your dentist. They can help you figure out the right way to get the necessary mineral to keep your teeth healthy.
Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.