A simple explanation of why fluoride is important and why it doesn't damage our teeth.
Fluoride is often only approached in a negative light when it comes to oral health. In fact, you've probably heard that fluoride is bad for our teeth and that we should stay away from it. But that's just a myth.
Fluoride is a colorless natural mineral that is found naturally and throughout the Earth's surface.. It can be in liquid form, such as water; in solid form, such as raisins; and in gas form, such as hydrogen fluoride.
When fluoride When used in small doses, it has been shown to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.
How does fluoride help my teeth?
Fluoride works to protect your teeth by helping to prevent tooth decay and remineralizing weakened enamel.
When fluoride is used regularly/daily and in low concentrations, such as in toothpastes or mouthwash, Fluoride can help remineralize weakened enamel and strengthen the structure of your enamel.
“Adults are advised to brush their teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500 ppm of fluoride.”
Another way fluoride helps protect teeth is by preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay can occur when your teeth are damaged by plaque, which turns sugars into acid. Fluoride works against this destructive acid by blocking some of the harmful enzymes found in plaque. This, in turn, prevents the enzymes from producing the acid that weakens your tooth enamel.
How much fluoride should you consume?
Toothpastes containing between 1,350 and 1,500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride are the most effective. However, your dentist may advise you to use a toothpaste with a higher concentration if they believe you are at particular risk of tooth decay.
“When fluoride is used in small doses, it has been shown to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.”
Adults are advised to brush their teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains between 1,350 and 1,500 ppm of fluoride. And to be careful about using mouthwash at the same time as brushing, as this washes away the fluoride from the toothpaste.
Are there other ways to get fluoride?
There are a few other ways you can get fluoride:
- Fluoride mouthwashes
Fluoride mouthwashes may be prescribed for adults and children over 8 years of age who have tooth decay. They should be used daily and in addition to brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish can be applied to your teeth by your dentist. This process involves applying a varnish with a high level of fluoride to the surface of the tooth. TFluoride varnish treatments are done every 6 months to avoid tooth decay and work by strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
3. Tap water
This largely depends on where you live in England. Around 5.8 million people in England receive fluoridated water. This water has had fluoride added to it to reach 1mg of fluoride per litre (this is the level needed to effectively reduce tooth decay).
The decision to receive fluoridated water or not is made by individual local authorities across the country. And the areas where water fluoridation programs are in place are:
- West Midlands
- NORTH EAST
- East Midlands
- East of England
- Northwest
- Yorkshire and the Humber
If your area is not listed above, you can find out how much fluoride your tap water contains by contacting your local water supplier.
Please ask your dentist if you would like more information about fluoride and how it can help your teeth.
And if you're looking for a fluoride toothpaste, then Enlighten's Evo White Care Toothpaste and Tooth Serum duo set is the perfect place to start. Evo White and Tooth Serum are toothpastes precisely designed to ensure your enamel is protected and strengthened with every use.
Source: enlightensmiles.com
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