What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens the density of bones and the enamel that protects the teeth from tooth decay. It is found in water, food, and numerous dental products like toothpaste or mouthwash. Fluoride is well known to offer several health benefits.
Professional fluoride treatments at the dentist have shown to have various benefits for adults and children. Professional fluoride treatments have a higher concentration of fluoride compared to toothpaste or water. Professional fluoride can come in a rinse, gel, or foam forms. Have you been contemplating whether to get professional treatment? Professionals suggest getting a fluoride treatment at your dentist if you are prone or at a higher risk of developing cavities.
Not maintaining proper oral hygiene and allowing plaque and bacteria to build upon your teeth will lead to the erosion of the teeth and gum tissue, breaking down the enamel layer and then infecting the nerves and blood at the center of the tooth. Fluoride is helpful by restoring the minerals to the surfaces of the tooth where the enamel has broken down. It can also aid in preventing future cavities by stopping the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in the mouth. So, let’s debunk some myths on fluoride!
Myth: “Fluoride is unsafe for small children.”
Fact: Fluoridated water is safe for babies and young children and is even crucial to help with proper tooth growth and tooth development. It has been found that the use of fluoride is safe and effective in preventing cavities. Children need to receive an adequate amount of fluoride during their childhood years to create stronger teeth to last a lifetime. Fluoride treatments during a dental exam are beneficial for strengthening children’s teeth and preventing cavities.
Myth: “Drinking fluoridated water will cause cancer.”
Fact: Fluoride is safe, reliable, and harmless. It has been found to have several benefits and not lead to any conditions like cancer, diabetes, kidney problems, or heart disease. Water fluoridation has been studied in-depth, and there have been countless studies, research, and evidence that shows it is safe and effective.
Myth: “Fluoride treatments at the dentist do not work.”
Fact: Studies have revealed that even adults benefit considerably from topical fluoride applications at the dentist, especially for those adults who are more inclined to get cavities. Depending on your dental health, the American Dental Association suggests a topical fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office at least once a year.
Myth: “If you use fluoride toothpaste, you don’t need fluoridated water.”
Fact: The fluoride in toothpaste, called topical fluoride, serves a different purpose than the fluoride in drinking water. Using fluoride topically compared to ingesting it internally in water will lead to differing benefits. Once fluoride becomes ingested internally, it resides in our bloodstream and saliva. There, it continually serves as little soldiers that defend and protect our teeth. It even becomes fused into adult teeth as they form. Topical fluoride treatments, found at the dentist and in mouth rinses, are beneficial to promote the remineralization of enamel and fight against plaque. Since these two forms of fluoride serve various purposes, they are both required for optimal dental health.
