The Many Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride is present in many aspects of our lives; it’s used in toothpaste, added to our community waters, used in our pesticides, and is added to many foods and beverages. Research conducted by the CDC has proven that fluoride is a safe and effective mineral to consume, and it has been added to our products for over 75 years within the US. As dentists who recommend fluoride, we understand and endorse many of the benefits that fluoride provides for oral health and families everywhere. Here, we will explore just a few small benefits that come from fluoride and how it helps people everywhere have healthier teeth.
Fluoride Fights Cavities
This fact you’ve probably heard often enough from websites such as the ADA, but how fluoride fights cavities makes it even more spectacular for families. Fluoride is a chemical ion from fluorine, and it is a negatively charged ion that works with minerals such as sodium, calcium, and phosphate to fight cavities. Cavities develop due to the buildup of harmful bacteria that eats sugars and produces plaque as a byproduct. Normally, saliva would work to remove the harmful bacteria, but when you eat sugary, carbohydrate-filled foods such as pasta and candies, your saliva can only do so much work! Fluoride can be absorbed by saliva to work with the calcium and phosphate found in your teeth to remove that bacteria and keep it away!
Helps Prevent Tooth Decay
Because of its cavity-fighting power, it’s also a great preventative measure against tooth decay, one of the biggest side effects that come from cavities. When people aren’t able to get enough vitamins and nutrients in their diet to support their bones, it leads their enamel more vulnerable to harmful bacteria. For those who are more at risk for tooth decay, fluoride comes in as an added measure of protection against this bacteria and makes it harder for tooth decay to appear.
Fluoridation Saves Money
Fluoride isn’t just added to toothpaste; although it is found in almost 95% of dental products, the real protection fluoride provides through community water filtration systems. Companies that add fluoride to their waters can help families get the fluoride they need for their oral health. The fluoridation can help families save thousands of dollars on dental work and help the US healthcare system save money to provide more for patients.
Fluoride is Safe and Effective
Fluoride is naturally found in groundwater and oceans, so when community water companies add fluoride, they’re adding the recommended level for preventing tooth decay. Fluoride has been endorsed by over 100 health organizations and has consistently shown proven results in fortifying the body’s defense against tooth decay and other oral diseases. It even occurs in other food products, such as tea, coffee, raisins, and seafood.
If you would like to learn about fluoride and how we incorporate fluoride into our dental practice, then don’t hesitate to contact Appletree Dentistry, operated by Dr. Scott T Simpson in Tigard, OR, for more information.
