When it comes to keeping your teeth as healthy as possible, you know the basics: brush, floss, visit the dentist. You can also be sure to eat a variety rich in vitamins and minerals, and work to add in exposure of the mineral fluoride through your toothpaste, mouthwash or other means. Learn more about fluoride, why it’s so important and how you can make sure you’re getting enough today. Your Wichita Falls dentist is in with answers.
There’s a lot of misinformation regarding fluoride out there. One thing is for sure, though — fluoride is a crucial ingredient for healthier teeth. Did you know the American Dental Association (ADA) won’t give a toothpaste their stamp of approval unless it contains fluoride? That says something about the importance of the mineral.
So why is fluoride so important? Every day your teeth are losing and regaining minerals through two processes: demineralization, when minerals are lost, and remineralization, when they’re gained back. When the balance is thrown off and sufficient mineral replacement doesn’t occur, problems like plaque, tartar and tooth decay are soon to follow. Fluoride helps prevent this tooth decay by strengthening the tooth’s enamel, making the tooth more resistant to damaging acids and bacteria.
You must work to ensure you’re getting enough fluoride for optimum oral health. Thankfully, Mineral Wells and surrounding communities have a fluoridated water system — meaning fluoride is added to the water. Some estimates say every $1 spent on water fluoridation save $38 in dental fees. If you prefer to drink filtered or bottled water, though, you could be skipping out on this crucial fluoride source. You’ll have to make sure you’re getting enough through other means.
Fluoride is found in all ADA approved toothpastes and many mouthwashes, so if you drink bottled water or live in an area where the water isn’t fortified with fluoride, you’ll need to add these to your oral hygiene routine. You can also make sure you’re getting an extra fluoride boost by staying on top of your twice-annual visits to the general dentist you trust in Wichita Falls, where an oral examination can include a much-needed fluoride treatment.
If you have questions regarding the importance of fluoride in oral health, or if it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup, don’t hesitate to call our office to request an appointment today. Your oral health can’t wait, and the team at strohmandental is prepared to put you on the road to achieving healthy teeth that last you for a lifetime. We proudly serve Wichita Falls, Lakeside City and Iowa Park with excellence in dentistry.