Nobody likes the taste of fluoride treatment. Let’s face it: they’re not pleasant. But if that’s the only association you have with the substance, you may find yourself thinking that fluoride is just another thing to dread about going to the dentist.  

But what if we told you that fluoride was your teeth’s best friend?

Far from being simply a gross foam that has to sit on your teeth, fluoride is a powerful agent of restoration and prevention in dental health. Today, we’ll focus in on one particular superpower that fluoride has: its role in the prevention of dental health problems. We hope to help you see just how vital fluoride is to your teeth, no matter how healthy they may be. 

What is fluoride? 

As Medical News Today put it simply, “Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps build strong teeth and prevent cavities.” Concerns have been raised in the past over whether fluoride is safe for children or in high doses, but evidence shows that when taken in correct amounts, it is completely safe, even for children. “The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that parents or caregivers use a minuscule amount of fluoridated toothpaste as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts. This protects a child’s teeth from cavities but does not put them at risk for fluorosis if the child accidentally swallows the toothpaste.”   

This mineral is in fact crucial for the health of your teeth. The ADA even calls it “nature’s cavity-fighter.” As we’ll see below, it performs an especially critical function as it prevents problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.  

How can it prevent dental problems? 

As the Cleveland Clinic explains, day in and day out, your teeth are going through a cycle known as demineralization and remineralization. As you might have gathered from the name, demineralization is when the minerals in your teeth (such as calcium, phosphate, and yes, fluoride) are lost due to the natural process of eating and drinking. Remineralization is the process by which your body gains those minerals back to restore equilibrium.  

Cavities are the result of your body failing to restore equilibrium when you lose more minerals than it can gather back for you. And cavities are just the opening act to tooth decay, which can eventually land you with painful, stubborn gum disease.

This is where fluoride comes in. When you take enough fluoride, you’re making it unlikely that you’ll lose more minerals than you can spare. In other words, you’re stacking the odds in favor of healthy teeth. Fluoride can even reverse early decay!

How does preventing those problems affect other conditions? 

If you’re impressed with fluoride now, just wait. 

Not only can fluoride stack the odds in favor of healthy teeth, preventing cavities and reversing early decay, it even can even make an impact on conditions down the road.  

For instance, when tooth decay progresses far enough, it can develop into gum disease. Fluoride plays a major role in preventing gum disease by stopping it in the very earliest stages. Furthermore, by promoting good oral health, this crucial mineral can make a positive impact on the health of your whole body. As Medical News Today notes, “Fluoride treatments can improve oral health, which, according to the World Health Organization… is a major predictor of overall health. Poor oral health can cause a range of other health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.”

How can I take fluoride? 

Sounds like pretty good news, right? As long as you take it in the recommended doses, fluoride is a safe and beneficial mineral that can significantly boost your dental health. The way you incorporate it into your dental health routine will vary based on your situation. However, here are a few general recommendations: 

Use toothpaste containing fluoride.

The ADA even recommends fluoridated toothpaste for children; just small children out with a pea-sized smear. Fluoridated toothpaste is an easy and essential way to get this mineral into your routine.  

Drink fluoridated water.

If you’re wondering whether you really should or not, you might be surprised at what the CDC has to say. “Many research studies have proven the safety and benefits of fluoridated water. For  75 years, people in the United States have been drinking water with added fluoride and enjoying the benefits of better dental health. Drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities (also called tooth decay) by about 25% in children and adults. By preventing cavities, community water fluoridation has been shown to save money both for families and for the US health care system.”  

Speak to your dentist or hygeinist about whether fluoride varnish or supplements would be right for you.

As Healthline explains, “The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your oral health.” Your dentist may prescribe you additional fluoride treatments depending on your situation. Your dental health is worth the investment!

At the end of the day, it’s important to recognize that fluoride is your friend. It is essential in preventing oral health problems and long-term systematic health as well! Speak to your dentist about incorporating more fluoride in your dental treatment today.  Contact your Bloomingdale Dentistry office here!