Did you know that the enamel layer of your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body? But it shouldn’t seem too surprising, given the amount of biting and chewing of hard, crunchy food we are able to do. But strong as it is, tooth enamel isn’t invincible. One of the best things you can do to help your enamel do its job is to include fluoride in your oral care routine. What does it do, and how does it work?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many sources, including soil, rock, and water. In fact, it is found residually in the water you drink and the food you eat. But it is not typically found naturally in high enough concentrations to be effective. That is why it is included in many toothpastes, mouth rinses, and other products.
Basically, fluoride helps to reverse the processes of decay in tooth enamel. As acid eats away enamel, minerals like calcium are lost. Your saliva helps to restore these in a process called remineralization. When fluoride is included in this process, it combines with other minerals to form an ultra-hard compound called fluoroapatite within the enamel. This helps teeth be more resistant to decay, and even acts to reverse early decay.
Your tooth enamel cannot be replaced, but fortifying it with fluoride is the next best thing. At Dr. Susan Chmiel, we offer fluoride treatments at the end of every routine cleaning. The concentrated dose administered by Drs. Susan Chmiel will help to bolster your teeth’s defences even more than using a fluoride toothpaste or other over-the-counter product.
To learn more about fluoride treatment and the benefits of fluoride, please call our dental office here in Franklin, WI, today.