BENEFITS OF FLUORIDE

Did you know that fluoride is important for maintaining your teeth in good condition? Fluoride is a natural mineral, which is found in water supplies and food items. You can also find fluoride in toothpastes and other dental products. The dentist in Austin, says that fluoride helps in preventing tooth decay. Many researches back the claim and state that fluoride can help in preventing tooth decay in both adults and children by making the tooth structure stronger and resistant to acid attacks from plaque.

Acid is formed when the bacteria in plaque break down sugar and carbohydrates from the food you eat. Repeated instances of acid attack breaks down the tooth and leads to cavities. If you are at the risk of getting tooth decay, the dentist will apply fluoride varnish or gel at home.

The dentist near you in Austin, TX, says that children who wear braces end up having decalcification spots around the brackets. It has been observed that using topical fluoride along with fluoride toothpaste reduces the risk of decalcification. It must be known that decalcification is a significant issue during the fixed orthodontic treatment. Topical fluorides can reduce or eliminate the problem. According to the dentist in Austin, the fluoride can be applied on teeth in three ways:

• Self Applied

These are the over-the-counter dental products such as toothpaste with fluoride, and mouth rinses, which are designed to be rinsed and spit out.

• Professionally Applied

The professionally applied fluorides are in the form of a gel, foam, or rinse. They are applied by the dentist or dental hygienist during the dental visits. These fluorides are more concentrated than the self-applied fluorides, says the dentist in 78745.

• Systemic Fluorides

The systemic fluorides are community water fluoridation and dietary fluoride supplements. They are an extremely effective and inexpensive way of getting the required fluoride. Studies show that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 20 to 40 %. If your water resource is a private well, it needs to be tested and if required, you may need to add fluoride to your daily oral hygiene regimen.