What Role Does Fluoride Play In Maintaining Dental Health?
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Posted on 8/7/2023 by Dr. Frank K. Sioda |
 Fluoride, a natural element, helps to strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Experts say using fluoride from various sources is the most effective approach to cavity prevention. Fluoride is naturally available in small amounts in water sources. You can also get it from certain foods. These include fish, meat, and eggs. Taking fluoride enhances dental health and reduce the risk of cavities. The following are some benefits of fluoride for your dental health:Prevent CavitiesEveryone has bacteria in the mouth. When we consume sugars, these substances provide nourishment for the bacteria, which in turn produce acid. This acid attacks the enamel of our teeth, causing significant damage. Without proper protection, this acid can lead to tooth decay. That's why fluoride treatments are crucial in combating tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride helps to prevent the harmful effects of acid on tooth enamel. Using fluoride toothpaste and fluoride treatments at home reduces the likelihood of developing cavities. Stregthen Tooth EnamelFluoride helps to strengthen your tooth enamel through remineralization. Fluoride combines with minerals like calcium and phosphate in the saliva to create a stronger, more resistant form of tooth enamel. This strengthened enamel can withstand acid attacks from bacteria and the acids produced by sugars and starches in the mouth. This significantly decreases the risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay. Reduce Tooth SensitivityFluoride reduces tooth sensitivity. It blocks and seals the tooth enamel's microscopic channels (tubules). These tubules connect the outer surface of the tooth to the nerves inside. When these tubules are exposed, they can transmit sensations, leading to tooth sensitivity. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and forms a protective layer that can block these tubules, reducing the transmission of sensations and alleviating tooth sensitivity. Enhance RemineralizationFluoride enhances remineralization by interacting with the minerals in tooth enamel, such as calcium and phosphate. When teeth are exposed to acid attacks from bacteria and dietary acids, minerals are lost from the enamel. This results in demineralization. Fluoride helps remineralization by attracting minerals back to the enamel surface and aiding in their incorporation into the tooth structure. This helps to repair and strengthen weakened areas of enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay and acid erosion. |
 Talk to one of our caring patient coordinators today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Frank Sioda 18676 Willamette Dr. Suite 202 West Linn, OR 97068-1718 |
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