Fluoride is often called nature's cavity fighter and for a good reason!
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent cavies in adults and children by making the outer surface of your teeth (enamel) more resistant to acid attacks that cause tooth decay.
After your regular check up and clean with us we will always apply Fluoride to your teeth before you leave the clinic. If you grew up on tank water or lived in an area that’s water supply did not contain fluoride you may notice that you have had more dental treatment than others.
Before water fluoridation children had about three times as many cavities. For children even before teeth begin to erupt fluoride taken in from food beverages and supplements makes tooth enamel (the hard surface of the tooth) stronger, making it easier to resist tooth decay. This provides what is called a “systemic” benefit. It becomes part of your saliva constantly bathing your teeth with tiny amounts of fluoride.
In addition you should use dental products that contain Fluoride, fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash if you use it. It’s also important not to wash your mouth out with water after brushing, by all means spit out as much toothpaste as you can but don’t rinse as the toothpaste contains the fluoride you want to bathe your teeth in.
By Dr. Lynette Lim
