Fluoride: What do I really need to know about it?
We have all heard the dentist tell us of the importance of fluoride. Many wonder what fluoride is exactly and if they are getting enough of it. This article will shed some light on those questions and help you understand its importance.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in the material of your bones and your teeth. It can be found in foods, water sources, and also naturally in the environment. The outermost layers of your teeth are called the enamel. The enamel acts as a protective layer and according to the American Dental Association, is the hardest substance in your body.
Each and every day your teeth are bombarded by acids created by sugars and plaque. This negative process is called demineralization. One way to help repair the damage caused is to expose your enamel to minerals (remineralization) such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate. If remineralization is lacking, your enamel layer weakens and begins to decay.
Where is fluoride found?
As mentioned before, fluoride naturally occurs in your environment including places such as:
• In the soil
• Water
• Plantlife
• Rocks
• Air
It can also be found in some not-so-natural places:
• Toothpaste
• Mouth wash
• In supplemental form
• Cleaning products
• Pesticides
Fluoride is also found in some of the foods you eat.
Am I Getting Enough Fluoride?
A study that took place in 2015 and was published by Cochrane showed the importance of introducing fluoride into public drinking water. In the study, results showed 35 percent fewer cavities and tooth loss due to decay in children whose water was fluoridated.
According to Colgate, if the water you consume has fluoride in it and you brush regularly with toothpaste that contains fluoride, you are getting a sufficient amount daily. You can also add a mouth rinse containing fluoride to your oral hygiene regimen.
Typically, public water supplies contain fluoride but you can contact your water company to find out for sure. If you do not reside in an area where the public water is fluoridated, does not have the recommended amount of 1 part per million, or your water supply comes from well water, your dental provider may prescribe drops or tablets to supplement your intake.
More than likely, at some point during one of your dental visits, your doctor will administer a preventative fluoride treatment by painting a gel or varnish-like substance across your teeth. There are also foam treatments that are placed into a mouth tray and held in your mouth for up to four minutes.
When is fluoride most crucial?
All stages of tooth development must have ample fluoride exposure. From around six months of age to sixteen years of age, your teeth are developing. Children benefit from fluoride because it helps make their primary teeth stronger and more cavity resistant.
Twice a year at their dental appointments, your child will likely receive a fluoride treatment to help give them the necessary exposure. You may also be given drops or tablets if your child does not get enough fluoride through your water source. These supplements will help harden new teeth as well as teeth that have yet to emerge.
It is just as important for teens to get their fluoride too. With permanent teeth replacing baby teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene is necessary to keep teeth strong and protected. As they make their way into adulthood, good dental care habits will become ingrained and the fluoride exposure will continue to combat decay.
Special Cases
While everyone gets an optimal level of fluoride, some people should be especially proactive about their amount of exposure. People who fit into one of the following situations may benefit from additional treatments:
• Dry Mouth- Also called xerostomia, dry mouth is a condition where there is a lack of healthy saliva. This is an issue because saliva helps rinse away food particles and neutralizes acids which leave your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, aging, radiation therapy, or a condition that directly involves the salivary glands.
• Periodontitis- Periodontitis is a disease that affects your gums exposing a larger area of your tooth, sometimes down to the root. Since more area is exposed, there is a greater chance of decay.
• Dental History-If you tend to get a cavity every year or two, additional fluoride treatments may help you maintain stronger teeth and deter decaying.
• Mouth Appliances- People who frequently wear mouth guards, have bridges or crowns, or wear braces are at a higher risk for decay. This is because areas of enamel that come in contact with the appliances are notoriously difficult to efficiently clean.
What to do if you are already experiencing decay?
If you already have progressed into stages of decay, you do have options. Biomimetic dentistry uses a material that imitates the natural biological structure and function of your teeth. It is used to perform reconstruction on teeth that have been damaged. According to Cosmetic Dentist expert, Dr. Marc Lazare, teeth that are weakened, decayed, or broken can be repaired and protected through biomimetic dentistry applications.
Structurally weak teeth can be made durable by using a fibered mesh material that helps spread the force experienced by the tooth during activities such as eating. It is a less invasive way to save as much of your actual tooth while helping prevent cracking and protecting it from bacterial invasion.
Fluoride is an important part of your oral hygiene regimen no matter what phase of your life you happen to be in. Making sure you are getting enough can keep your teeth strong and protected from acid-causing bacteria. If you are experiencing dental issues, reach out to your dental health provider and ask about your options. Biomimetic dentistry can give you a more natural method to get you a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
