How good do you feel about your smile? Smiling is one of the best ways to express an emotion, but if you’re afraid your smile doesn’t look good, chances are you’re much less keen to show it off. As important as brushing and flossing are for good oral health, fluoride can’t be discounted either. If you’ve been curious just how fluoride benefits your mouth, read on to find out!
What Does Fluoride Do?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that originates deep in the planet’s crust. It is often used as a supplement in food, water, and products designed to improve your oral health, such as toothpaste. The American Dental Association even hails it as “nature’s cavity fighter.” Fluoride is the natural enemy of tooth decay; buildups of bacteria and sugar can break down your teeth, but fluoride can help repair and strengthen them. Babies benefit greatly from fluoride, because it can contribute to improving the integrity of their brand new teeth. When babies are teething, giving them more fluoride in their food and water can help fix any teeth that might be damaged as they grow into the mouth.
It Benefits Adults, Too
Although this mineral is great for babies and children, it benefits adults too. Tooth decay can be a serious problem for anyone, no matter how old they are. The topical fluoride that is often found in toothpaste and mouthwash can be a tremendous help, because tooth decay can lead to many other health concerns that don’t just affect the mouth. If adults habitually drink bottled water, it could be worse for their teeth; after all, many brands of bottled water don’t fluoridate their water. Subsequently, these adults might need more visits to the dentist to ensure they get the proper amounts of fluoride that they require. For best results, speak with your dentist and get their advice on what to do next.
It’s In the Water
Bottled water can be expensive. Consider saving money and drinking water from your sink instead. If you drink water straight from the tap, fluoride is easy to find. Since it is often added to municipal water supplies, all you need to do is turn on the sink and get some water. The next time you’re at the dentist’s office, check in with them and find out how fluoride is helping you.
KEEP YOUR TEETH HEALTHY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE
Whether you need a regular check-up or a tooth extracted, Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and to provide the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube!