While many people probably know that fluoride plays a significant role in oral health, most people don’t know much about this vital mineral. If you are a health-conscious individual, you are probably motivated to dig deeper into the fluoride topic and perhaps understand why it is considered an essential mineral by dentists.
So, what is fluoride?
Fluoride is an essential mineral compound predominantly found in soil and water. Extensive research conducted over the years has established that fluoride protects the teeth against acid attacks initiated by the bacteria found in plaque. Arguably most important, fluoride features several vital minerals essential to dental health. One such mineral is calcium, crucial in safeguarding your teeth against decay and cavities. It is for this particular reason that oral health products featuring fluoride have become increasingly popular in the market.
So, how is fluoride administered?
There are two main ways through which fluoride can be delivered into the teeth: systematic and topical. In this regard, topical fluoride delivery involves directly administering fluoride to your teeth via gels, mouthwashes, toothpaste, foams, and other numerous oral hygiene products offered in the market. Topical fluoride application prevents both tooth decay and gum disease.
On the other hand, systematic fluoride application involves administering fluoride to your teeth through foods and fluoridated water rich in fluoride. Systematic fluoride application may also involve the use of fluoride supplements, which have gained lots of popularity in recent years.
Here are a few more things to know about fluoride:
Bearing in mind that there are numerous fluoride products on the market, getting the best one that suits your fluoride needs can sometimes prove to be an overwhelming task. Suppose you want to supply your body with fluoride through supplements and other fluoridated products. In that case, you first need to know and understand the right level of fluoride you need to consume to have the desired impact. This vital information will not only ensure you select the most appropriate supplement but will also allow you to moderate your fluoride consumption to ensure your pearly whites are getting the amount of fluoride they deserve.
If you don’t know how to get fluoride, we discuss two primary sources, what they lack, and how you can compensate for the deficiency.
- Tap water: Tap water features fluoride in an abundant quantity. But today, not many people drink tap water. Instead, nearly everybody uses tap water, which, perhaps they are not aware of, fails to offer the required fluoride amounts to your body. If you are an ardent fan of bottled water, it is highly recommended to supplement your bottled water intake with fluoride products such as gels and fluoride mouthwash.
- Fluoridated water: While tap water is an excellent source of fluoride, the level of fluoride in tap water varies significantly from place to place. If you are serious about your dental health, then you are obliged to take the necessary steps to ensure the water you consume boasts a sufficient amount of fluoride.
As you may have seen, no dental hygiene regimen is complete without fluoride. This essential mineral compound plays a vital role in oral health. As a result, you must ensure your teeth are getting the right amounts of fluoride they need to stay in tip-top condition. But before you start using a particular fluoride product, do research to ensure it is the best one and suits your dental needs.
Contact HPS Advanced Dental Care in Shelby Township, MI
If you have any inquiries about dental health-related topics, please contact HPS Advanced Dental Care in Shelby Township. Our team is ready to support your journey towards a healthier and brighter smile; oral health is our number one concern, and we want to help you make the best decisions based on individual requirements. Reach out now
