How Does Fluoride Work?

We constantly hear how important fluoride is for our oral health, but what is it exactly and how does it work?  You can find fluoride in most water supplies and it’s in most toothpastes as well.  Dentists often give fluoride rinses to patients to help fight off cavities, but why?

Fluoride is natural and can actually be found in our earth’s crust as well as the air.  Our bodies need this nutrient to grow properly and it’s been realized over the years that it can help prevent tooth decay.  When teeth are growing, fluoride mixes with tooth enamel to prevent cavities and it also works with saliva to keep sugars away from teeth which often contribute to decay.  According to kidshealth.org, half of children ages 5-17 have never had a cavity in their permanent teeth partly thanks to fluoride, and this is a huge improvement from 50 years ago.

Know you are probably getting enough fluoride if you are drinking fluoridated water, brushing with ADA approved fluoridated toothpaste and you are visiting your dentist twice a year for a checkup and fluoride treatment.  Ask your Miami sedation dentist if you are getting enough fluoride in your oral health routine.