The Role of Fluoride in Preventing Tooth Decay
3rd October 2024
Fluoride is a big player when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and strong. It’s a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods, but its real magic happens when it works on your teeth, making them more resistant to cavities and keeping your teeth healthy.
How does fluoride protect your teeth?
Bacteria in your mouth, from sugary or starchy foods, produce acids that attack your enamel. Over time, this can lead to decay. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and fight off those harmful bacteria. By hardening your enamel, fluoride makes it tougher for acids to break through. It also helps to repair very early stages of decay by restoring minerals that have been lost.
Where to get fluoride
Most people get fluoride from their toothpaste, which is one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth strong. Many dentists, like us, also offer a fluoride treatment, especially for kids or adults who are more likely to get cavities. This treatment provides a concentrated dose of fluoride to give your teeth extra protection.
Debunking the fluoride myth
There’s a common myth that fluoride is harmful, but this misconception has been debunked by decades of research. Some people believe that fluoride can lead to serious health issues, but when used at safe levels, for example the amount in toothpaste, fluoride is completely safe and highly effective in preventing tooth decay. It’s endorsed by major health organisations and its benefits for oral health far outweigh any unfounded concerns.
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