In dentistry, fluoride is an important mineral as it has proven its value in maintaining your oral health and preventing tooth decay. Today, Maryville, TN residents can greatly benefit from a working knowledge of fluoride and how it helps our teeth so that they can better implement it into their dental care routine. This article discusses the importance of fluoride in dentistry and offers tips on using fluoride treatments to enhance your oral health as recommended by a dentist in Maryville, TN.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that exists in water, soil, and certain foods. It has been known for its teeth health properties; in particular, the capacity to keep a stronger tooth enamel and avoid cavities. It is a procedure that can strengthen the enamel to repair early signs of tooth decay and inhibit cavities from forming.

Benefits of Fluoride

1. Prevents Tooth Decay

Fluoride can reduce tooth decay. Fluoride makes the enamel in your teeth stronger and better able to resist acid produced by bacteria that create acids out of sugar on your teeth. Which in turn will find a way to erode the enamel and create cavities. When you practice good dental hygiene at home with fluoride, you can dramatically decrease the likelihood of cavities forming.

2. Remineralizes Tooth Enamel

Fluoride helps damaged enamel (the outer covering of the tooth) get back its minerals. If enamel is starting to demineralize because of acid attacks, fluoride can reverse this process by putting minerals that are important into the enamel. That process just so happens to be the remineralization of teeth, not only fortifying them but also reversing early signs of decay before they progress any further.

3. Reduces Sensitivity

Fluoride applications can significantly reduce sensitivity for those with hypersensitive teeth. Enamel, the hard outer layer of a tooth, can be easily damaged leading to decay; as such many dentists recommend the use of fluoride to protect problem areas which used to have temporary and home remedies. Fluoride acts to fill the tiny tubules within our dentin (the softer second layer of the teeth) that contain nerves. This hampers the transmission of sensations such as heat, cold, and even sweet taste, leading to decreased sensitivity.

4. Protects All Ages

Everyone will benefit from having fluoride. Fluoride is also crucial in our lives, as it helps to create strong and healthy teeth, especially for children. Fluoride still prevents cavities, gingivitis, and sensitive teeth in adults. The risk of root decay (which is most common in older adults) can be reduced by the application of fluoride.

5. Economical Way of Preventive Measure

Fluoride is very cheap to use, as far as dental preventative measures are concerned. Even with the cost, it would not outweigh having to pay for fillings, crowns, and root canals if you incorporated fluoride treatments in your dental care plan regularly. Because of the proactive application of fluoride, it is quite economical in maintaining oral health.

Fluoride is a helpful weapon in the battle against tooth decay and a key element in supporting oral health. The residents of Maryville, TN can protect their teeth by understanding why fluoride is vital and adding it to your dental care routine. Fluoride is among the most important components of oral health at any age, delivered in water, toothpaste, mouthwash, or during professional treatments. Start taking advantage of what fluoride can do for your smile, and get the dental health you deserve!