Your teeth are under constant stress, and over time, their protective mineral layers can break down. Eating the right foods, such as calcium-rich dairy, will refortify them, but sometimes, you need a helping hand. Fluoride is a common solution, and your dentist will likely offer it as a preventive treatment. Below is everything you need to know so you benefit from using fluoride.

Understanding Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that’s found in soil, water, rocks, and even the air, as well as your teeth. Research in the 1930s showed that people who drank fluoride-infused water had fewer cavities than those that don’t. This is why it’s often included in toothpaste, oral rinses, and other dental care products.

How it Helps Teeth

Fluoride both strengthens tooth enamel—the protective outer layer of your teeth—and prevents mineral loss. Decay-causing bacteria are constantly breaking down your enamel with acids, which can lead to tooth decay. Applying enamel with fluoride remineralizes teeth and regulates acidity levels so you’re less likely to develop cavities. Fluoride also helps deliver calcium and phosphorus to your teeth to make the enamel stronger.

Fluoride Treatment

A dentist will offer fluoride treatment to further protect your teeth. During treatment, they apply a highly-concentrated gel to the teeth that can be absorbed to strengthen them. It’s a painless procedure, and so long as you avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes, you’ll benefit from the treatment.

Fluoride treatment isn’t a replacement for brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist, since these are the best ways to remove plaque and harmful bacteria to prevent decay. You can further strengthen your teeth by eating foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, including dairy and dark leafy greens. Ask your dentist about fluoride-based dental care products during your next exam to improve your dental care regimen.

If you’re overdue for a trip to the dentist, contact J. David Fisher Jr., DDS. Dr. Fisher brings over 40 years of dental care experience to patients in the Sanford, NC, area. Whether you need a general cleaning, root canal therapy, or cosmetic dentistry procedure, he and his team will use high-end treatments to achieve lasting results. Call (919) 776-0741 to schedule an appointment and learn more about this family dentistry by visiting their website.