Fluoride is a mineral commonly added to toothpaste, oral rinses, and many water supplies for its regenerative properties. Dentists consider it essential for helping prevent tooth decay and ensuring strong, healthy teeth, especially in children. Below is an introduction to fluoride, what it is, and how it works to benefit your oral health.

What Is Fluoride?

A naturally-occurring mineral in the Earth's crust, fluoride is also found in plants, rocks, soil, air, and water. It reduces tooth decay in both children and adults by as much as 25%, and children who drink fluoridated water have an average of 2.25 fewer cavities than those who don’t.

In 1945, the U.S. started adding fluoride to some water supplies to help reduce tooth decay. Most dentists and medical experts, including those at the American Dental Association, Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization, agree that fluoride is beneficial for the teeth.

How Does It Work?

When a person eats, their mouth goes through a process called demineralization, in which the acids in their saliva strip away some of the calcium and phosphorus of the teeth. Fluoride helps deposit harder minerals back into the teeth, which in turn strengthens and protects them from decay and cavities.

In children, fluoride can help developing teeth by fortifying their enamel and decreasing bacteria production. This substance also hardens the enamel on existing teeth, protecting them from chips and sensitivity.

To learn more about fluoride and maintaining a healthy smile in young children, visit the dentists at Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD, & Associates. Serving the Loran County, OH, area, this pediatric dentist offers everything from exams and x-rays to tooth fillings and braces. Dedicated to ensuring kids have fun at their appointment, they can provide your little ones with the dental and orthodontic services they need to thrive. Call (440) 934-0149 or visit them online to make an appointment.