If you’re wondering how the mineral fluoride can help prevent cavities, read on in this guide from Dental Care 4U.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is often praised for its beneficial qualities in oral hygiene products, but where does it come from? A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride is present in all living organisms on Earth. It is derived from rocks and released into the environment through soil, water, and air. Animals, plants, and humans all absorb it, as it is both odorless and tasteless. It can even be found in various foods such as apples, cereal, almonds, and tea. Furthermore, fluoride synthesized in laboratories is often added to dental hygiene products, due to its properties that prevent tooth decay.
How Was Fluoride’s Connection To Cavity Prevention Discovered?
Since the early 1900s, scientists have observed that people living in areas with higher levels of fluoride in their drinking water had stronger teeth and experienced fewer cases of tooth decay than those living in places with less fluoride. This is due to the fact that fluoride helps protect the enamel of the teeth from plaque and sugars, and even repairs existing damage to the teeth. To reap the benefits of fluoride, dental hygiene products with the mineral, or drinking tap water with fluoride, are recommended. To check if your tap water is fluoridated, contact your local water utility company or public health department, or visit the CDC’s website.
How Can Fluoride Treatments Act As Protection From Tooth Decay?
If you’re interested in extra preventative dental care measures, our team at Dental Care 4 U can provide fluoride treatments as a complimentary part of your children’s dental care visit. The benefits of fluoride treatments include:
- Bonds with Enamel: Fluoride’s superpower comes from its ability to strengthen the enamel by bonding with the enamel molecules, adding a shiny, hard outer layer to the enamel.
- Protective Surface: Fluoride provides a protective layer for the dentin and pulp beneath the tooth and therefore prevents the onset of bacteria and decay.
- Remineralizes Small Cavities: Most of all, fluoride remineralizes areas of small cavities before they have a chance to cause problems in the future.
What Can I Expect From A Fluoride Treatment At Dental Care 4U?
At Dr. Raj Khurana’s office, efficient and safe fluoride treatments can be completed in as little as an hour. During your visit, Dr. Khurana will apply a fluoride varnish using a gel, foam, or rinse. This will leave a protective layer on the teeth, helping to prevent decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
What Is The Importance Of Regular Dental Check-Ups?
Visiting the dentist is essential, especially if you or your child has cavities, as dentists are trained to treat and repair them. If left untreated, cavities can cause a painful tooth abscess, tooth loss, and the potential for the infection to spread to other body parts. Regular dental check-ups are important even if you or your family members are not experiencing a toothache, as only an oral health professional such as a dentist can look for and treat potential issues you may have missed. Therefore, it is vital to get dental treatment for cavities right away, regardless of age.
Dental Care 4U Is Dentistry For The Entire Family In South Holland
If you’re ready for dentistry with a gentle touch at a practice that feels just like home, consider Dental Care 4U. Dr. Raj Khurana and the team have been operating Dental Care 4U for over 20 years, and are proud to offer the very best South Holland, IL and the surrounding communities. We always work with a gentle touch, so whether you need a root canal, tooth extraction, or orthodontic treatment, we will be here for you and your loved ones. Call us today at 708-333-2213 for an appointment.
