Our teeth are naturally equipped to do bite and chew all kinds of food. The reason they are so strong is that they are coated in a layer of enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. But durable as it is, tooth enamel is not invincible. It is constantly under attack from acids in the mouth. One of the best ways to naturally fortify your teeth is by using fluoride.
Fluoride is a mineral found in soil, rock, and almost any water source. It works to both strengthen tooth enamel and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. Minerals such as calcium are constantly being lost from enamel because of acid erosion. Your saliva helps reincorporate them in a process called remineralization. When fluoride is included in this process, it combines with these minerals and forms a new, superhard substance called fluoroapatite.
Fluoroapatite is actually harder than your enamel, and helps it be better at resisting the attacks of acid and bacteria. This is why using appropriate amounts of fluoride consistently is so important. While fluoride occurs naturally in the environment, most sources are not concentrated enough to be beneficial. Using a fluoride toothpaste and coming in to Art & Science Family Dentistry for regular fluoride treatments as part of your dental cleaning are essential.
Although fluoride can be taken in supplements, it is important to remember that it is not medicine. It is an effective, natural way to strengthen your teeth. If you would like to learn more about fluoride or get more personal recommendations about its use in your family, please call our office in Woodbury, MN, today.