Our general dentist recommends brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride to give your teeth the highest level of protection possible against tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that helps to re-mineralize and strengthen teeth enamel.
Fluoride can be found in natural bodies of water, as well as many fruits and vegetables like grapes and potatoes. Public water supply systems are fluoridated in most developed countries, making tap water a great source of the essential mineral.
Fluoride is also added to many toothpaste brands to give your teeth an additional layer of protection. Our general dentist recommends brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride to get the most out of your brushing sessions.
Fluoride is essential for children and adults alike. It helps to build the enamel of a child’s developing teeth before it even breaks through the gums. For adults, it helps to rebuild damaged enamel, and it can reverse the early stages of tooth decay.
The fluoride in the foods and beverages a person eats eventually makes its way into saliva. This provides steady protection for the person’s teeth as their saliva bathes their teeth with the fluoride in it.
Our general dentist recommends brushing at least two times daily to prevent acids created by oral bacteria from having enough time to eat away at teeth surfaces. A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended since it is less likely to damage enamel or irritate gum tissues.
One of the best times to brush is right before bed since it leaves teeth coated with fluoride, protecting them from decay during sleep. Our dentist recommends not rinsing your mouth after brushing to get the most out of the fluoride in the toothpaste. Simply spit out the toothpaste used and wipe your mouth if needed. Flossing right before or after brushing allows the fluoride in the toothpaste to get into interdental spaces as well, protecting them.
A mouthwash that contains fluoride can also help to protect teeth from decay. It also helps to clean areas missed by brushing and flossing.
Tap water is an excellent source of fluoride, so try drinking as much as you can. Tap water helps to get fluoride into your bloodstream, as it washes your teeth and coats them with small amounts of fluoride.
Fluoride is great for teeth in small quantities, but it can be harmful to a person’s health in large quantities. This is why many toothpaste labels have warning labels telling the user not to swallow the product. Dental hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash contain only small amounts of fluoride so the user only gets a small amount of fluoride when using such products.
A toothpaste that contains fluoride is essential for good oral hygiene. It gives your teeth the minerals they need to remain strong and healthy. Call or visit our San Diego clinic to learn more oral hygiene tips.
Request an appointment here: https://scrippsranchdentistry.com or call Scripps Ranch Dental at (858) 222-6164 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
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