During dental check-ups, dentists advocate for patients to use fluoride toothpaste as part of a strong oral routine. There are many benefits to your teeth with fluoride, which is covered below.
What is fluoride? It is a mineral that is naturally contained in food and water. Although, it is also contained in the toothpaste. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste has proven to be an effective product to keep your teeth white and strong.
Below are the benefits of fluoride and how they protect teeth.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the process of your tooth tissue and enamel coming under attack from acids formed from bacteria. The origination of tooth decay is from plaque that forms on teeth from the food and drink you consume. Using fluoride, whether it be drinking water or toothpaste, helps to protect you from tooth decay because it makes your teeth resistant to acid attacks.
Enamel Remineralization
When your enamel is under attack or is weakening, this is a sign of tooth decay. Your enamel is starved of key nutrients that it needs to protect your smile and keep your teeth strong. Remineralization of the enamel repairs the outer layer of our teeth. The key ingredient to keep enamel strong is calcium which can be found in toothpaste. Read here to learn more about the process of remineralization and demineralization
Save Money From Extensive Treatments
Teeth usually become decayed due to the erosion of the enamel. When the enamel becomes weak, the dentist may consider recommending a tooth covering, or a crown, to prevent further damage. On the other hand, you may not need extensive cosmetic treatments if you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and eat food that remineralize the enamel. This will strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth from decay, saving you money in the process.
Prevention of Cavity
When you consume your favourite food containing properties that are sensitive to your teeth, and the toothache becomes more painful, the enamel tissue becomes inflamed. This can turn into pulpitis, a symptom of a cavity where the dental pulp is inflamed and reaches the root of the tooth, causing a hole.
How Much Fluoride Do You Need?
Although fluoride helps protect and strengthen your enamel and teeth, proceed with caution. Too much of it can contribute to health problems as well. Fluoride content within toothpaste usually contains a maximum of 1500 ppm (parts per million), which is recommended by dentists for children and adults.
It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, but it is important that your enamel is not overloaded with it. If you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, you aren’t required to eat strictly-fluoride foods. The added benefit is that the shade of your teeth may become lighter, and you’re less likely to suffer from discolouration.
If you’re seeking to use more fluoride and you need further advice, ensure you contact your local dentist.
If you’re due a dental check-up at the dentist, contact our experienced dental team for an appointment today!