You’ve heard that fluoride is good for your teeth, but why? What makes this mineral so special? What are the benefits of fluoride? Why should you use fluoride toothpaste? If you have questions about fluoride, our dentist, hygiene team or front office at Country Club Dental are here to help! We want you to know why you should use fluoride, and about the important role it plays in your dental health.
Why You Should Use Fluoride
If you’re wondering why fluoride matters to your dental health, it all boils down to one primary reason: fluoride prevents tooth decay. Tooth decay affects everyone, but people with certain health conditions are even more susceptible.
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent decay. Your enamel is a hard shell that protects your teeth from bacteria that would otherwise break down your teeth.
Your enamel has a tough job, and needs all the help it can get! Fluoride works together with your saliva to remineralize and fortify your enamel. It also helps with reducing sensitivity. That’s why fluoride should be an important part of a good dental care routine.
How to Incorporate Fluoride
Making fluoride a part of your oral hygiene routine is easier than you might think. In fact, you’re probably already using it! Most toothpaste contains fluoride, although others do not. Many natural toothpastes do not contain fluoride, and while they are an option for someone who may be sensitive to fluoride, we recommend that you use a toothpaste with fluoride for the extra protection against decay.
The drinking water in most communities also contains fluoride. Flagstaff’s water does not contain fluoride. The government encourages adding safe amounts of fluoride to tap water so that everyone can access the benefits of fluoride for dental health. Not all states and cities participate, however, and if you drink well water, it might not contain fluoride. You check here to find out if your area treats its water with fluoride.
Another way you can make fluoride part of your dental care routine is by using a fluoride mouthwash. You can buy fluoride mouthwash over the counter, but if you have chronic issues with weak enamel, we can prescribe a stronger grade of fluoride mouthwash for you.
Fluoride Treatments
To reap all the benefits of fluoride and step up your enamel protection game, you can also get a fluoride treatment from Country Club Dental. Your dentist will apply a highly concentrated fluoride solution to your teeth so that they can absorb more fluoride into their enamel. These quick and easy treatments will ensure that your fluoride needs are being fully met.
At Country Club Dental, we offer some of the most affordable fluoride treatments you can find. We care about your dental health, and we want to prove it by making fluoride treatments accessible and affordable. To make an appointment for a cleaning and fluoride treatment, call us at 928-526-4314 or schedule a visit online!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/19/21). Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
