Taking care of your teeth is important for more reasons than just looking good. It is an important part of being healthy in general. The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to avoid getting them damaged in the first place. This is very important in New York City, where sweets and busy lives can make it hard to brush and floss your teeth every day.
A mineral called fluoride is often confused. This piece will explain everything you need to know about this mineral. For more information, you can consult a dental practice in Pleasantville, NY.
What is fluoride, and what does it do?
In water and many foods, fluoride is a chemical that occurs naturally. Fluoride is used in dentistry to make teeth stronger and less likely to get cavities.
Every day, calcium moves in and out of your enamel, the hard top layer of your teeth. Mouth acids are made by bad bacteria, grit, and sugars. These acids hurt your teeth. These acids break down the food that your teeth need. This process is called demineralization. Minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate can be found in food and water. The process of getting minerals back is called remineralization.
Cavities happen when teeth lose too many minerals and do not get enough minerals back. The enamel on your teeth is protected from acid attacks by dental fluoride. This helps keep your teeth healthy. It also stops decay before it starts.
Types of fluoride used in dental care.
A lot of foods and water have fluoride in them. You can also get toothpaste and mouthwash that have fluoride in them. There are different kinds of fluoride toothpaste in every store. For stronger amounts that come in pill or liquid form, you need a prescription from a doctor.
Your dentist can also put fluoride on your teeth in these ways:
- Foam: An extra tray will hold it, and it will be put over your teeth.
- Varnish: The varnish will be put right on your teeth.
- Gel: They will either put gel on your teeth or give it to you on a custom tray.
Is fluoride harmful?
Fluoride is not harmful to your health, despite what some people think. Studies and the opinions of experts support the idea that fluoride is safe when used the right way. Both the American Dental Association and the World Health Organization say that fluoride is safe in small amounts.
Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which is not good for your health. Water and dental products are carefully checked for the right amount of fluoride to make sure they are good for your teeth and gums without doing any harm.
If you wish to learn more, consult your dentist today!