Fluoride Treatment: Is It Good or Bad for Your Teeth and Does It Whiten Your Teeth?
Your teeth are remarkable. Enamel (the hard outer part) is made of 96% mineral making them the sturdiest substance you have in your body. This almost makes them invincible. However, they can get damaged when neglected, and tooth decay will start popping up. In fact, statistics show that tooth decay is the most prevalent non-contagious disease in the world.
Since tooth decay became a huge issue, the government decided to step in and ensure that there is fluoride in tap water to reduce the prevalence of tooth decay. But you will still need to use fluoride toothpaste to ensure that your teeth remain strong and healthy. Also, our dentist near you offers fluoride treatment after you have your teeth cleaned.
Is Fluoride Good for Your Teeth?
One of the minerals that are abundant in rocks, soil, and water is fluoride. Fluoride is sometimes found in several food groups such as fruits, seafood, fresh vegetables, and dairy products. Black tea, coffee, wine, and drinking water have higher levels of fluoride.
This naturally occurring mineral helps build healthy, strong teeth. It is also known to prevent tooth decay, so that’s why our dentist offers fluoride treatment.
Dental plaque contains bacteria that cause cavities; therefore, it enhances the process of demineralization. The bacteria also inhibit the teeth from repairing themselves, which leads to tooth decay.
But using fluoride can be an excellent way to keep your teeth safe from the destructive effects of plaque. Fluoride has therapeutic and preventive effects against tooth cavities. If you take it in the required amounts, the process of remineralization occurs more rapidly and can reverse early decay.
In other words, when the bacteria are digesting carbohydrates, they release acids, which lowers the pH in your mouth. This causes fluoride to be liberated from the plaque and sticks to the other minerals (calcium and phosphate) released from the tooth. Then, something amazing happens. The combination of fluoride, calcium, and phosphate that were released form a superior enamel structure. The new structure is sturdier and more resistant to acids.
On the other hand, don’t be overzealous when you are using fluoride. Moderation is vital if you are to reap the benefits. Excessive amounts of fluoride will cause dental fluorosis. This is a condition that makes the teeth have chalky white spots because of hypomineralization.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is good for teeth and has a fantastic effect on teeth when you use it the right way. Here are some of the benefits:
- Protects the Enamel
One of the glaring effects of using fluoride is that it can protect your tooth’s enamel. Whenever you drink fluids that contain high levels of acid, the enamel begins to break down. When this happens, your pearly whites will become more sensitive to the usual stuff, such as taking warm drinks.
Fluoride will help protect your teeth from the adverse effects of acidic beverages and the acid released by bacteria. It will stop your enamel from breaking down.
- Helps Prevent Tooth Decay
As mentioned earlier, bacteria are responsible for causing tooth decay. But if you are diligent in keeping your teeth clean by brushing after meals using fluoridated toothpaste, then you can prevent tooth decay.
- Adds Minerals Back to Your Teeth
Whenever you eat, your teeth lose minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which are critical to the health of your teeth. But, fluoride helps put back the lost minerals and build the damaged areas of the tooth.
- Is a Natural Preventive
Nothing beats having a natural way of preventing tooth decay and cavities from destroying your teeth. Since fluoride is readily available in nature, it is easy to get the needed amounts that will help keep the teeth strong.
- Saves You Money
Restorative dental procedures can be expensive. So, you can save a coin here and there when you err on the side of caution. Keeping your teeth healthy will ensure that the only services you need will be cleaning and fluoride treatment. Therefore, you would have eliminated the need for expensive procedures.
Does Fluoride Treatment Whiten Teeth?
Sadly, no. The treatment will only help to strengthen your teeth but cannot whiten your teeth. However, it is used after teeth whitening treatment to help reduce tooth sensitivity, a common side effect of teeth whitening.
So, if you need fluoride treatment, contact us at Compassion Smiles today.