If you see your dentist enough, you’ll have heard them talk about fluoride. This material has a unique effect on your grin. That said, you may not know much about it – its traits, role, etc. Just how does fluoride affect your pearly whites? Well, we at Kirlough Family Dentistry can answer that vital question. We’ll even share the details if you’d like. To that end, here’s a primer on how fluoride impacts your smile over time.
So, What’s Fluoride?
Fluoride is one of the many minerals in the world. It’s naturally found in soil, plants, and rocks, as well as in your bones and teeth.
Overall, various foods and drinks contain trace amounts of fluoride. Some of the most notable are water, brewed black tea, oatmeal, and raisins. However, you can also find bits of the mineral in shellfish – these creatures collect fluoride in their shells and muscles.
How Does It Help Your Teeth?
In terms of oral health, fluoride makes your teeth stronger. Both consuming and applying it lowers your risk of tooth decay.
You see, fluoride works to repair tooth damage. It bolsters your teeth when it’s absorbed by your enamel. (This process is known as re-mineralization.) In doing so, it helps your chompers resist bacterial acids. The result is a smile that’s less likely to decay or get cavities.
All that said, it’s possible to get too much fluoride. An excess intake can lead to dental fluorosis. If the latter occurs, your teeth will develop streaks or spots on their surfaces. So, make sure you only ingest fluoride in small and safe amounts.
Fluoride Tips for a Healthy Smile
Given the facts above, there are several ways to use fluoride for a healthy smile. The best methods include the following:
- Brush Your Teeth – Most toothpaste brands today have fluoride. As such, brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoridated kind.
- Rinse with Mouthwash – Like toothpaste, mouthwash often contains fluoride. Therefore, try to rinse with a good brand every so often.
- Drink Plenty of Water – When you have a meal or snack, try to drink some tap water as well. Water authorities add fluoride to the municipal water supply.
- Get Regular Fluoride Treatments – To keep your smile safe, many dentists offer fluoride treatment after teeth cleaning. Make sure to get it at each of your six-month dental checkups.
In the end, fluoride impacts your smile in a great way. Remember the tips above, then, to benefit from this fantastic mineral!
About the Practice
Kirlough Family Dentistry is based in Cleveland, OH. Led by Dr. Kirlough himself, our practice provides top-tier dental care for all ages. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency oral procedures. Our office is also a certified provider of Invisalign® clear aligners that straighten smiles. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (440)-234-2445.