One of the most important advances in preventive dentistry was the discovery in the 1900’s that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against cavities. Although fluoride is most often associated with children’s dental care, it’s beneficial for adults as well. Because of this, the team at Paramount Dental encourages patients of every age to make fluoride part of a consistent oral hygiene routine.
How Fluoride Helps Our Teeth
Most of us have been told that fluoride is good for our teeth but may not know why. Fluoride supports oral health in two specific ways.
- Fluoride helps limit the harmful effects of oral bacteria. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acids that weaken tooth enamel. Fluoride interferes with this process, reducing the bacteria’s ability to produce damaging acids.
- Throughout the day, acids from foods, beverages, and bacteria remove small amounts of minerals from the enamel. Saliva is designed to naturally help replace those minerals, but fluoride helps accelerate the repair and strengthening process, helping teeth withstand continued attack.
With fluoride being so beneficial, how can we ensure we are getting enough of it? Here are some suggestions:
- Brush at minimum twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Use a fluoride mouth rinse when recommended by your dentist
- Drink fluoridated tap water when available (See State Water Resources Control Board)
- Receive professional fluoride treatments during dental visits
Does Fluoride Matter for Adults?
You may remember fluoride treatments at the dental office when you were a child. Just because you have grown up doesn’t mean you have outgrown the benefits of fluoride. Adult teeth continue to be exposed to acids, bacteria, and everyday wear, dry mouth, gum recession, and other factors that increase the risk of tooth decay.
With age, gums may begin to recede, exposing portions of the tooth roots. Roots are softer and less resistant to decay, so fluoride is especially helpful for adults experiencing gum recession. It also benefits patients who have dry mouth, wear braces or dental appliances, have a history of frequent cavities, or take medications that reduce natural saliva production.
Strengthening vulnerable tooth surfaces with fluoride helps adults avoid cavities, discomfort, and more extensive dental treatment.
The Added Benefits of Fluoride for Children
Children are obviously good candidates for fluoride use. While permanent teeth are developing beneath the gums, fluoride helps strengthen them before they erupt. After these new permanent teeth emerge, fluoride protects the enamel and supports the repair of areas weakened by acid.
The benefits of fluoride reduce the likelihood of childhood cavities and help permanent teeth get a healthier start. Parents should supervise young children while brushing to make sure they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste and avoid swallowing it.
Finding the Right Balance
Some believe the more of something, the better; however, more fluoride is not necessarily better. Most people receive sufficient fluoride protection through fluoride toothpaste, fluoridated drinking water, and preventive dental care.
Too much fluoride while a child’s permanent teeth are developing below the gumline may cause dental fluorosis, which appears as faint white spots or streaks on the permanent teeth and, in extreme cases, as brown stains. For that reason, a balanced use of fluoride is necessary. Fluoride supplements and concentrated products should only be used under the direction of a dentist or healthcare professional.
Stronger Smiles With Paramount Dental
Strong smiles come from good preventive routines. Brushing and flossing daily, limiting frequent sugary snacks and beverages, and scheduling regular dental visits with professional exams and cleanings is essential. Fluoride naturally complements this routine, further helping prevent cavities.
Contact Paramount Dental today to schedule your next dental exam. Our team is happy to answer your questions about any treatment or service we provide, including fluoride treatments. Let us help you protect your smile at every stage of life.