Tooth decay is the most common dental issue for people of all ages. Tooth decay can occur due to several reasons. In order to avoid tooth decay and other dental problems, it is important that we take care of our oral health.
Every day, our teeth are subject to wear and tear. The minerals in the enamel are lost each time we eat and drink. The sugar from the foods that we eat produces acid in the mouth which dissolves the minerals in the tooth enamel. And if too many minerals dissolve on the enamel, it will result in the buildup of plaque and tooth decay. The good news is that you can get these minerals back through the fluoride in your saliva and in your toothpaste as well.
One way to promote good oral health is to use fluoride in your daily dental routine. Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds stronger teeth and prevents cavities. With fluoride, you will have healthy tooth enamel and it also helps in fighting the bacteria that may be harmful to your teeth. With fluoride, you can prevent cavities or plaque from building up. In fact, experts believe that fluoride can even stop the development of tooth damage.
Fluoride that is ingested by children in small doses will enter the bloodstream and helps greatly in the development of their permanent teeth. The growing teeth will then have a shallower groove. This makes it easier for them to remove the plaque when brushing. Swallowed fluoride from while brushing your teeth will also become part of your saliva and helps in neutralizing the acids from the food you eat.
Naturally, fluoride is present in some foods and drinks like fish and tea. However, there are times when the amount of fluoride from these foods and drinks is no longer enough to restore the health of the teeth in some people. Some would even apply topical fluoride directly to their teeth aside from tooth brushing; leaving it for a short period of time before rinsing it with water. In addition to this, there is also a professional fluoride treatment in the forms of gel, foam, or varnish given by dentists in their clinic. Water fluoridation or the adding of fluoride in water is also done in many communities nowadays to help prevent tooth decay. Areas with insufficient fluoride in their water may get fluoride supplements as per the doctor’s prescription.
Indeed, fluoride should be included in your dental routine. There are a lot of ways you can get fluoride, such as drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste or getting your dentist to apply it directly to your teeth through a gel or foam. Keep your teeth healthy and strong; incorporate fluoride into your daily oral routine.
