The Benefits of Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that is found in our teeth, bones, and the environment around us. While it’s a natural element, it’s most commonly known for its use in oral health and dentistry to strengthen teeth. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and is an essential part of our oral routine. Read on to discover the benefits of fluoride, which include preventing bacteria growth, helping form fluorapatite, and mineralizing our teeth.

Preventing Bacteria Growth

One of the main benefits of fluoride is its help in preventing the growth of bacteria that leads to tooth decay. In addition, since fluoride lowers the pH level in your mouth, it makes the environment more acidic and prevents bacteria overgrowth. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus mutans are three types of bacteria found in our mouths that fluoride has proven effective against.

Mineralizing Teeth

In addition to inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fluoride also helps with mineralization. When fluoride comes into contact with our teeth, it creates fluorapatite, which results in hardening and mineralizing our teeth. This, in turn, strengthens teeth and helps protect them against damage caused by bacteria. In addition, it rebuilds weakened tooth enamel and slows down the loss of minerals from existing tooth enamel. Because of this, fluoride can help prevent tooth decay in its early stages and can protect teeth from harmful bacteria that cause cavities and other dental issues. Since fluoride is so beneficial, it is added to the public water supply and is found in oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.

In addition to using products with fluoride in them, brushing twice a day, and flossing, you should prioritize your child’s oral health by scheduling regular dental visits. If you’re in the Firestone, CO area, visit Firestone Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. We serve the Fort Lupton, Frederick, and Dacono areas and can be your go-to Fort Lupton children’s dentist. Call us at 303.848.3633 or schedule an appointment with us here.