Lessons Learned About Dentists

Why Your Teeth Need Fluoride Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many foods and water. Each day, minerals are lost and added to the enamel layer of the tooth through two processes known as remineralization and demineralization. The enamel layer of the tooth loses minerals when acids formed by sugars and plaque bacteria in the mouth attack the enamel. Minerals such as calcium, fluoride, and phosphate are redeposited to the enamel when we consume food and water. Tooth decay occurs due to demineralization without sufficient remineralization. Fluoride prevents tooth decay by boosting the tooth’s resistance to acid attacks which include sugars and plaque in the mouth. Fluoride thus will help to undo tooth decay. Fluoride is included in the development of permanent teeth in children who are under six, making it hard for the acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps in accelerating the process of remineralization and cutting down the production of acid in teeth which have already erupted in the adults and kids. Fluoride may be applied to the teeth directly through fluoridated mouth rinses, and toothpaste. Mouth rinses that have fluoride in lower levels can be bought over the counter. If one needs a stronger concentration, they have to get a prescription from a dentist. A dentist may also apply fluoride in their office for a gel, foam or varnish. These therapies have a greater level of fluoride than that present in mouth rinses and toothpaste. Additionally, there are fluoride supplements which are available in tablet or liquid form and the pediatrician, dentist or family doctor has to prescribe them. It is important that babies and children who are between six months and sixteen years are exposed to fluoride. During this time frame, the primary and permanent teeth develop. However, adults also benefit from fluoride. New research has demonstrated that topical fluoride that’s found in fluoride therapies, mouth rinses, and toothpaste are as crucial in strengthening growing teeth as in fighting tooth decay. There are those that have a higher risk of experiencing tooth decay who would benefit greatly from fluoride therapy. They include individuals with gum disease also known as periodontitis, those with dry mouth conditions, those with a history of cavities that occur often and those that have crowns or braces.
The Key Elements of Great Health
Fluoride is efficient and safe when used as instructed by the dentist but it may be harmful if consumed in high doses which are at toxic levels. For this reason, it is crucial that parents supervise how their kids use products that contain fluoride. They ought to take precautions to keep fluoride products from the reach of their kids, particularly those that are under sixteen. More to this, excess fluoride may lead to defects in the tooth’s enamel.Health – Getting Started & Next Steps

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