The Benefits of Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral found in rock, soil, and water. For almost one hundred years, it’s been added to community water systems, mouthwash, and toothpaste! Why? It’s one of the best ways to prevent cavities and protect your teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Fluoride?

Fluoride keeps your smile strong and healthy. When fluoride meets your teeth, mineralization occurs. This process strengthens your enamel and prevents demineralization, which is the first stage of tooth decay. If decay is caught early enough, fluoride can even reverse demineralization. Fluoride has also been shown to lower the pH level in your mouth and reduce the types of bacteria that cause cavities. Fluoride is especially important for kids as they’re more vulnerable to tooth decay, but anyone can benefit!

Is Fluoride Safe?

Many people wonder about the safety of fluoride. Decades of research consistently show fluoride is safe in low amounts. The mineral is regulated in dental products and community water systems, so there’s enough for oral health benefits but not enough to trigger side effects.

Too much fluoride comes with certain risks, like fluorosis, which is a cosmetic issue in children that causes white lines or brown flecks on the teeth. To avoid fluorosis, be sure to follow our recommendations for children’s dental health. In very rare cases, too much fluoride can cause bone fragility, sickness, or even death. To get this much fluoride, you would need to ingest huge amounts of mouthwash, toothpaste, or fluoride supplements.

Fluoride Treatments at Seastone Dental in Summerville, SC

Fluoride is an effective, affordable, and safe way to protect your teeth against decay! At our office, we offer fluoride treatments, which are an excellent choice for kids and adults concerned about cavities. If you have any questions about fluoride or want to book an appointment, please contact us today!

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Categorised in: Fluoride Treatments, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene