Dental care is an important part of overall health, and keeping your teeth healthy involves more than just brushing and flossing. One of the most important things you can do for your teeth is to learn about and use dental fluoride.
Dental fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. When applied to the teeth, fluoride helps to remineralize tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars in your mouth. This can help to prevent cavities from forming and keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.
How Dental Fluoride Works
There are two main ways that dental fluoride works to protect your teeth:
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Topically: This means that fluoride is applied directly to the surface of the teeth. This can be done through brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, using a fluoride mouthwash, or having fluoride applied by a dental professional during a checkup.
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Systemically: This means that fluoride is taken into the body through ingestion. This can be done by drinking fluoridated water or taking fluoride supplements.
Both topical and systemic fluoride are effective in preventing cavities. The best way to get the benefits of both is to use a combination of both methods.
The Benefits of Dental Fluoride
There are many benefits to using dental fluoride. These include:
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Reduced risk of cavities: Fluoride can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 40%.
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Stronger teeth: Fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to acid attacks, which can help to prevent them from breaking down.
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Reversal of early cavities: Fluoride can actually help to reverse early cavities before they cause any damage to the tooth.
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Improved oral health: Fluoride can help to improve overall oral health by reducing the risk of gingivitis and other gum diseases.
Is Dental Fluoride Safe?
Dental fluoride is safe for most people when used as directed. However, it is important to talk to your dentist about whether or not fluoride is right for you.
How to Get Enough Dental Fluoride
There are many ways to get enough dental fluoride. These include:
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Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste: Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
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Using a fluoride mouthwash: Use a fluoride mouthwash once a day after brushing your teeth.
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Drinking fluoridated water: Most public water supplies in the United States are fluoridated. If you are not sure if your water is fluoridated, you can ask your local water supplier.
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Taking fluoride supplements: Your dentist may recommend fluoride supplements if you are at high risk for cavities.
Talk to Your Dentist
The best way to learn about dental fluoride and how to use it to keep your teeth healthy is to talk to your dentist. They can help you develop a personalized plan for your oral health and recommend the best products for you.
By using dental fluoride and practicing good oral hygiene habits, you can keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free for a lifetime.
Dental Blog - Lakewood, CO • Northstar Dental The doctors at Northstar Dental have provided this informative dental blog to provide education and information for the Lakewood and great Denver Colorado community. Click to view the latest posts. Northstar Dental, 860 Tabor St, Ste 100, Lakewood, CO 80401 + (303) 481-3901 + northstardentalco.com + 2/7/2025 + Key Phrases: dentist Lakewood CO +
Dental care is an important part of overall health, and keeping your teeth healthy involves more than just brushing and flossing. One of the most important things you can do for your teeth is to learn about and use dental fluoride.