If you’ve been to the dentist for a checkup recently, you may have been caught off guard when they asked you whether or not you wanted a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is one of those things that just about everyone has heard of, but relatively few people fully understand the importance of.
If you want to learn a little bit more about what fluoride can do for you, here are some examples of what it’s used for and why it’s crucial to the quality of your teeth.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that the body uses for a variety of purposes. Its primary use is in supporting the teeth, which is why it’s primarily placed in dental hygiene products.
Often, it can be hard to get enough fluoride from your diet, which is why it’s usually supplemented via other sources. Most toothpaste contains fluoride, as do many kinds of mouthwash. You might also be aware that most tap water in the U.S. is fluoridated, meaning that you can also get it that way.
What Does Fluoride Do For Teeth?
The main thing that fluoride does in the body is strengthen the enamel, which is the primary material that makes up the exterior of the tooth. This can slow down enamel erosion, protecting the integrity of the tooth.
Once you’ve lost your enamel it doesn’t grow back, so getting enough fluoride is vitally important so that you can resist enamel erosion before it happens.
What Are the Benefits of Professional Fluoride Treatment?
When you see your dentist for a cleaning, a part of that will usually entail polishing your teeth. This removes surface stains and bacteria, making your smile brighter than it may be otherwise.
However, this polishing can potentially remove a layer of fluoride from the surface of your teeth. Fluoride treatments are often recommended after routine care to replenish that surface enamel.
About Our Practice
At Pasadena Family Dentistry, we want to be a dental practice that makes people calm and comfortable for the duration of their stay with us. As opposed to other dental offices that make you want to leave as soon as possible, we’re a practice that you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again. We’re also proud to offer a wide range of dental services to ensure that you’re always getting the care that your family needs.
If you have any questions about fluoride, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (713) 946-5171.