Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in small amounts in water and soil. Fluoride can also be found in certain foods and dental products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.

When fluoride is absorbed by teeth, a process called re-mineralization occurs. This restores the enamel’s mineral content and helps prevent demineralization, the breakdown of tooth enamel by acids in the mouth.

How does fluoride works?

Fluoride helps strengthen teeth by slowing the breakdown of enamel and speeding up the enamel re-mineralization. When enamel is re-mineralized, it’s able to repair itself.

Fluoride also makes the enamel more resistant to the acid produced by plaque, bacteria, and sugars. By helping to harden the enamel, fluoride can also prevent the development of cavities. Fluoride also reverses the early stages of tooth decay and repairs minor damage before it can turn into something more serious. 

Benefits of fluoride treatment

• Strengthens teeth and tooth enamel

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral whose presence increases the strength of tooth enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body, but it’s still susceptible to dental problems such as cavities and tooth decay. When children are exposed to fluoride, they are less likely to develop dental cavities at a later age, so it’s important that they receive fluoride treatments at a dental office twice a year.

• Prevents cavities

Fluoride has been proven to be the most effective agent at preventing cavities. Cavities are holes in the teeth that start to form when the bacteria in the mouth are exposed to sugar. When your child eats sugary foods or drinks sugary drinks, that sugar coats the teeth. This allows them to hang around in the mouth for an extended time. The bacteria in the mouth feed off that sugar and turn it into acid. That acid can start to eat away at the enamel of the teeth, leading to cavities.

• Prevents gum disease

Fluoride strengthens the teeth by rebuilding the mineral structure of the tooth enamel. It also makes it harder for bacteria to grow on the teeth, which can help prevent gum disease.

• Whitens teeth

When fluoride is applied, it will penetrate the enamel and strengthen your teeth, making them more resistant to staining.

• Prevents bad breath

Fluoride prevents bad breath by keeping the gums healthy. The bacteria that cause bad breath also cause cavities and gum disease. If your gums are healthy and strong, your bad breath will be lessened.

• Protects teeth from acid attacks

Fluoride makes teeth less sensitive and less susceptible to acid attacks. Acid attacks happen when teeth are not being properly cleaned, as plaque and bacteria grow underneath the gumline. This buildup of bacteria creates acid that eats away enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay.

Is a fluoride treatment right for me?

Fluoride treatments are recommended for anyone, but especially for children. Cavities are often the result of improper dental hygiene, and children may be especially prone to improper oral health practices.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been shown to have significant benefits for your teeth. When children receive the proper fluoride treatments, they are more likely to have healthy teeth throughout their lives. Fluoride treatments can help to protect teeth from tooth decay, as well as reverse any decay that has already occurred.

Call Dream Dental at (725) 234-3106 or schedule an online appointment to visit our dental office at 8685 W Sahara Ave Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89117. We will be happy to guide you further.