You might remember fluoride as an element on the periodic table in science class. But fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that famously brings you oral health benefits as well. You can find fluoride in tap water and many other foods in your regular diet.
Though you consume fluoride on a routine basis, you might still wonder how this mineral affects your smile. And you may feel curious about any potential risks it could bring to your health too. So read on to learn more about how this mineral can influence your oral health.
How Does Fluoride Help Dental Health?
When you consume fluoride, you will absorb this mineral into your teeth. There, it will strengthen your tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth.
Over time, the enamel may deteriorate as you eat or drink acidic substances or skip oral hygiene. Once eroded, your enamel will not regrow, which will leave your smile vulnerable to many types of dental health concerns.
However, fluoride will fortify the remaining enamel in your smile, making your teeth better able to resist potential damage from plaque and other harmful residues that may threaten your smile. You can see a reduced danger of cavities thanks to fluoride, as well as fewer surface stains disrupting your smile aesthetics.
What Is a Fluoride Dental Treatment?
You can receive helpful amounts of fluoride in the foods and beverages you ingest regularly. But your dentist might also suggest a targeted fluoride treatment for patients suffering from enamel damage or a heightened threat of tooth decay.
This preventative dental treatment can be administered during a routine dental cleaning. The dentist will apply a gel containing concentrated fluoride to the teeth. This mineral will then strengthen your teeth to keep them safe from further harm.
You could also benefit from using toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride. Consult with your dentist to determine more ways to protect your smile with fluoride.
Are There Risks to Fluoride Treatment?
Some people might worry that fluoride might come with side effects or lead to secondary medical concerns. While toxic in large amounts, you will not have to worry about fluoride harming your body if you consume it in your usual diet. It will also not hurt your smile or the rest of you if you receive fluoride treatment from your dentist.
The oral health advantages of this preventative dental care will outweigh any potential risks associated with fluoride treatment. And you do not have to worry about side effects caused by this therapy. In fact, you might see a reduction in certain oral discomforts like tooth sensitivity following this treatment.
This is because fluoride works to rebuild weakened enamel that previously allowed external stimulants to touch exposed nerves in the tooth’s interior. If you still have concerns about the effect of fluoride on your smile, give your dentist a call. They can explain more about preventative oral health care at your next dental appointment as well.