If you wear braces, this article is particularly for you! Did you know that high-fluoride toothpaste can help you keep your teeth white and spot-free during your orthodontic treatment? Research has proven that 85% of patients that have braces develop some kind of white spots and discoloration from decay and not being able to clean their teeth thoroughly. But after a Swedish study from Malmo University, researchers found that fluoride toothpaste hinders white spots from discoloring your teeth. If you have braces, or even a patient that’s not undergoing orthodontic treatment, your Waco dentist wants you to know why he gets so excited about fluoride.
Understanding Fluoride
Fluoride, a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water, protects teeth from cavity-causing strengthening your smile’s enamel (protective layer).
Fluoride Prevents and Repairs Tooth Decay
Bacteria that can be found in plaque produce acids that seep into your tooth’s enamel, causing it to break down. This process of breaking down enamel is what leads to cavities after so long. Where plaque breaks down enamel, fluoride builds it back up!
Fluoride also helps repair tooth decay in its initial stages by building up the tooth in a process called remineralization. This cavity-fighting mineral even reduces the ability of plaque bacteria to produce acid in the first place!
Fluoride Comes in All Forms
Fluoride can be directly applied to the teeth several ways. Usually, patients use a special fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. In fact, toothpaste with fluoride has been responsible for a significant drop in cavities since 1960!
Your family dentist in Waco at Premier Family Dental offers fluoride treatments that are directly applied to your teeth. Getting a fluoride treatment periodically by a professional is important because it contains a higher concentration of fluoride.
Fluoride Intake Is Important at All Ages
Exposure to fluoride can be especially beneficial for infants, children, and adults alike. We especially recommend if your child is between six months and 16 years old, making these treatments incorporated into their dental plans. Because their teeth are still developing, it’s important to protect them from tooth decay and cavities as much as possible.
Adults and children alike need to get enough fluoride to protect their teeth. Fighting tooth decay is just as important as strengthening developing teeth. Fluoride treatments will help you do that even after your permanent teeth have come in.
Increased exposure to fluoride can be beneficial for people who are considered to be “high risk” dental patients. For example, if you have chronic dry mouth, gum disease or a history of frequent cavities, Dr. Cofer will recommend additional fluoride treatments during your appointments. Before google searching for a “dentist near me” in an emergency, ask us if you could benefit from additional fluoride.
Prevent Dental Problems by Visiting Premier Family Dental
Do you still have questions about how you can prevent yourself and loved ones from developing cavities? If you want to learn more about fluoride, call us or come in! We would love to speak with you or schedule our next available appointment.