How Fluoride Works To Improve Oral Health

Dental caries form through a process known as demineralization. During demineralization, acids in the foods you eat cause calcium and phosphate to leech from your teeth, thereby weakening them.

Fluoride from toothpaste and drinking water is present in your saliva. In turn, it is absorbed by your teeth's enamel, where it bonds with the calcium and phosphate that are already present. This creates an extremely strong and durable mineral known as fluorapatite, which is well-suited to fight off cavities.

Do I Need Extra Fluoride?

Fluoride is added to most commercial drinking water. It's also present in most brands of toothpaste and is absorbed by your enamel as you brush. As such, your teeth may already be getting enough fluoride from these everyday sources. 

Although fluoride is plentiful, not everyone takes enough of it in. For example, if you regularly drink bottled or filtered water, you could be consuming less than what is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In that case, you could need supplemental treatments performed by your dentist. Fluoride treatments are often performed during a routine exam but can be scheduled as a standalone service, as well.

Talk With Your Dentist About Fluoride Treatments

Are you interested in preventing dental caries? Schedule an exam here at Shore Smiles Dental so we can address your concerns and determine if fluoride treatments are right for you. We offer complimentary consultations and second opinions for those in the Massapequa, NY area, and invite you to contact us today.