Benefits of Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is usually found in all drinking water and many foods. The quantity of fluoride in water might vary from place to place. It has been researched for over 60 years about the addition of fluoride to water. There is a reduction of 40 to 60 percent decay due to water fluoridation.

Where is fluoride found?

There is fluoride in many foods and water supplies, and it is even added to some drinking water. The best effect has been shown if there are 0.7 to 1.2 parts of fluoride for every million parts of water.

Fluoride is present in all water. In order to know how much fluoride is present in the water you drink, you can ask about it from your local water supplier.

What are the benefits of fluoride?

The following are the benefits of fluoride:

• Tooth decay is most common during childhood, even though we know that we can have healthy teeth by incorporating fluoride into our daily oral health routine.
• Fluoride is nature’s way of fighting the cavity, which is a mineral compound that is derived from a chemical element called fluorine and is abundant in the earth’s crust. In varying amounts, it is found in rocks, water, soil, food, and beverages. 
• It gets bound to our tooth enamel. The enamel is a crystalline substance which is called hydroxylapatite and is made up of calcium, phosphorus, hydrogen, and oxygen. This mineral also helps in making up our bones and teeth. By replacing the hydroxyl molecule, the fluoride makes the tooth resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. 
• It helps in rebuilding or remineralization of weakened tooth enamel.
• The children of six months or up are provided what they need for their primary or baby teeth or later permanent adult teeth to be healthy and strong.
• Fluoride toothpaste also helps in providing extra protection.
• Parents need to supervise their children while brushing until the age of 7. 
• The children under seven should use only a pea-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
• Spit out after brushing. 
• Do not rinse mouth after brushing; let the fluoride stay on your teeth for long.

What are the ways to get the fluoride you need?

The best ways to get the fluoride you need are: 

• By drinking fluoridated water
• Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash approved by ADA
• Go to the dentist and get it applied to your teeth directly with a gel, foam or rinse
• Take supplements as prescribed by your dentist if it is not present in your local water supply 

Call us (408) 963-6678 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Zin for a consultation at our office in Campbell, CA.