As children, it is common to receive special “fluoride treatments” following a teeth cleaning. This is to help protect the teeth while they’re still in the initial eruption and developmental stages. However, fluoride is just as important for adults too!
How Fluoride Works:
In addition to protecting the teeth during adolescents, Fluoride helps to strengthen to fight against tooth decay (cavities). When you eat certain foods that the harmful bacteria feed on in the mouth, the bacteria produce acids that break down the enamel of the teeth. When this occurs, it makes the teeth more susceptible to tooth decay, which causes calcium and phosphate to be stripped from the tooth enamel. However, our saliva helps to fight the decay from occurring and when our saliva has fluoride in it, the teeth are able to absorb the fluoride. When the fluoride reaches the enamel, along with calcium and phosphate, this creates a defense system to prevent future decay from forming.
Where Can I get Fluoride?
There are a few ways to obtain fluoride in your body. For one, your community water supply contains fluoride. Although, you should be aware the bottled water does not. Since the 1940’s, water has been fluoridated as a benefit to all. According to the CDC, in the city of Richmond, VA the fluoride concentration contains 0.70 milligrams per Liter (mg/L) of fluoride in the drinking water. This level of fluoride has been recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the prevention of tooth decay and the promotion of good oral health.
Other sources of fluoride can be found in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Be sure to read the labels of these products to ensure that they do actually contain fluoride because toothpastes and mouthwashes may not.
Following a teeth cleaning, dental hygienists administer fluoride treatments to children. In more serious cases of decay, it is possible that a hygienist will administer a fluoride treatment for an adult.
Contact Us:
If you are questioning if you’re getting the proper amounts of fluoride or have other concerns about where to receive fluoride, please call River Run Dental Spa today for more information!