You have probably heard your dentist talk about the importance of fluoride before, especially when you were a child. However, many people forget this vital information or think that fluoride is mostly just for kids. In reality, fluoride is an integral part of a healthy oral care routine for both adults and children. Here’s what to know about this enamel-strengthening mineral.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride naturally occurs in the earth’s crust. It’s also found in groundwater rocks, on surface water, and in low quantities in fruits like avocado, apples, peaches, and strawberries. Due to its numerous oral health benefits, most municipal drinking water supplies in the U.S. today are enriched with fluoride. The mineral can also be found in most dentist-approved toothpaste. Dentists also give regular fluoride treatments to children and may recommend them to older individuals as well. 

Why Is it Important to Oral Health?

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and cavities by strengthening enamel. The mineral is particularly essential during early years due to its ability to strengthen children’s teeth before they emerge from the gums, but it also helps fortify adult teeth at any stage of life. Currently, over 100 health organizations recognize the benefits of fluoride, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the American Medical Association.

Fluoride chiefly helps aid in remineralization, a process that occurs naturally in the mouth. When saliva is more basic than acidic in nature, it deposits minerals like calcium and phosphorous on the teeth’s surface, which helps maintain hard enamel. When the mouth contains elevated levels of fluoride, the minerals stick more intensely than usual, thereby lowering one’s risk of issues like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. 

To learn more about maintaining strong, healthy teeth, consult Honolulu, Hawaii’s trusted dentists. Kaimuki Dental Group strives to provide Oahu residents with the caring, expert dental care they deserve. They also focus on preventative and restorative dentistry services that help patients maintain a high standard of oral health throughout their lives. To learn more about their services, from dental crowns to teeth whitening, visit them online. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call today at (808) 737-7905. You can also find the dental practice on Facebook.