There are three important steps to the recommended daily oral hygiene routine: brush your teeth, floss, and rinse with mouthwash. All these steps have one common denominator and it’s fluoride! Did you know that fluoride is found in most toothpaste, mouth rinses, floss, water supply, foods, and supplements? Fluoride is a crucial ingredient in dental products for a number of reasons.
Our team at Quarry Park wants to take the time to explain what exactly fluoride is, and why you should care about it.
What is Fluoride?
As stated by the Canadian Dental Association, “fluoride is a mineral found in soil, water (both fresh and salt) and various foods”. It is also found naturally in our bones, teeth, plants, and rocks.
What Are The Benefits of Fluoride?
According to Healthline, the reason why fluoride is considered a key factor in maintaining oral health is because it strengthens and rebuilds tooth enamel. It can also help to prevent cavities, the growth of harmful bacteria, and reverse damage caused by tooth decay.
How Does the Process Work?
In a nutshell, the bacteria in your mouth will release acid as it breaks down the sugar and carbohydrates in your food and drinks. When these acids are released, they eat away at the minerals found in your enamel, also known as “demineralization.” Fluoride takes care of remineralization, which strengthens and rebuilds enamel.
Are There Negative Effects of Fluoride?
In rare cases, dental fluorosis can occur if an excessive amount of fluoride is consumed while teeth are still growing. It’s most common in children, but there aren’t any harmful side effects besides the appearance of white spots on their teeth. The best way to prevent this is by monitoring your children while they brush their teeth to ensure they don’t swallow any toothpaste or use too much of it.
According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2007-2009, dental fluorosis is not a source of concern for 84 percent of children, and only 16 percent of children have mild and unnoticeable cases.
Book Your Next Appointment Today
Bottom line: taking care of your teeth, understanding the benefits of fluoride, and establishing a routine is important for your oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth, floss, and rinse twice a day, and visit your family dentist for a check-up at least every 6 months. At Quarry Park Dental in Calgary, we care about your oral and overall health! Contact us today to book your next appointment. We’d be happy to speak with you about our dental services such as wisdom tooth extractions, composite fillings, dental implants and more!