Last week, we talked about all the ways that our tooth enamel is worn down. Today, we are going to discuss the solution to all that worn enamel.
Fluoride is the answer. Fluoride is a natural mineral found on the earth’s crust and distributed widely in nature.
Protect and Serve
There are two types of fluoride: systemic and topical.
Systemic fluoride is ingested, most often when it’s been added to public water supplies. Here in Canada, about 45 percent of our communities receive fluoridated water.
Systemic fluoride is absorbed into the bloodstream via the gastrointestinal tract, while topical fluoride is applied directly to the teeth via dental hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
Fluoride is most critical to a person between six and sixteen years of age, when the jaws are growing and the permanent teeth are finding their places. At this time, fluoride gives a young mouth a strong start, and the body is better equipped to fight off decay naturally.
There are so many ways to remineralize with topical fluoride: at-home fluoride rinses, painted-on varnishes, gels, and fluoride trays, which work a lot like whitening trays.
And, of course, I recommend fluoride toothpaste to all my patients.
Rinse and Repeat
Strong tooth enamel and a healthy fluoride regime is critical to the strength and health of our mouths.
If fluoride is a part of your daily routine and you feel that you are still more susceptible to cavities than others, you might find this blog post helpful.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office. We are happy to help you find the answers you are searching for!
~Dr. Chai (a.k.a. Dr. Tooth!)
