Cavities can lead to further tooth decay, resulting in gum disease, root canals, and even tooth loss. Fighting cavities is important because keeping your teeth healthy means your natural teeth will last longer. Maintaining all of your natural teeth throughout your lifetime is important as it has major benefits. It means fewer visits to the dentists for treatment, in addition to reducing your costs and time in the dental chair. Fluoride is a helpful part of fighting off cavities. Below you will find more information on how fluoride fights off cavities and how you can keep your natural teeth healthy for a lifetime.
How Fluoride Fights Cavities
Fluoride is in a number of dental products, including toothpaste and mouthwash. In fact, it is even in your tap water. This is because it is a naturally occurring element found on earth which was found to reduce the risk of cavities. Once it was found to reduce cavities, it became a phenomenon in the field of dentistry. When researchers determined the benefits of fluoride, it was highly important as even then they understood that your oral health is directly correlated to your overall health.
Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth which results in your tooth’s ability to fight off cavities. Your tooth is made up of the root, dentin, and enamel. The enamel is the outer shell of your tooth that is the first line of defense in protecting the dentin and root of your tooth. Despite your enamel being just a thin layer, it is stronger than your bones.
It is made up of calcium and phosphate, which is also what your saliva is made up of. When the calcium and phosphate in your teeth and saliva mix, it can help keep your teeth strong. When fluoride is added to this mixture, it not only keeps your teeth strong but actually strengthens your enamel. The mixture forms what’s called “fluorapatite,” which is even stronger than calcium and phosphate alone. You can achieve this by using toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride, and even fluoride that is found in tap water you use to brush.
Fluoride Treatment
It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months. If you are staying consistent with your dental appointments and your dentist has not suggested the treatment, you may be just fine with the oral hygiene routine you already have. If you haven’t maintained consistency with your dental checkups, make an appointment and talk with your dentist about your oral hygiene routine. They may suggest products with fluoride in it, or they may suggest fluoride treatment in Hollywood.
Fluoride treatment is common and can be done in conjunction with your regular dental checkup. They take just a few minutes and are a smooth process that requires no downtime. Some people are at a higher risk for tooth decay which may require more aggressive dental treatment as compared to others. Your dentist can help you find a routine that is right for your unique dental needs.
Dentist in Hollywood
If you need to schedule a dental checkup or if you are concerned about your oral health, contact Dr. Rhonda at Glo Modern Dentistry. Dr. Rhonda is one of the most trusted and highly respected dentists in the area. She has been trained at one of the nation’s top universities, UCLA. The team at Glo Modern Dentistry are skilled in a variety of dental treatments and procedures, including fluoride treatment. They have been helping patients perfect their smile for years. Contact the top dentist in Hollywood and schedule an appointment with Dr. Rhonda today.