{"id":254,"date":"2022-10-13T21:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T21:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.texastoothlady.com\/blog\/?p=254"},"modified":"2023-09-20T16:02:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T16:02:38","slug":"the-impact-of-fluoride-on-your-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.texastoothlady.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/13\/the-impact-of-fluoride-on-your-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"The Impact of Fluoride on Your Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but we all know that\u2019s not always the case. The biggest threat to their longevity is tooth decay, which is easily preventable. Simple practices like brushing and flossing can go a long way in preventing cavities. However, there\u2019s another crucial factor that\u2019s necessary for a healthy smile \u2013 fluoride. Read on to learn more about what it is and how it can help your teeth in the long term.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Fluoride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fluoride is a mineral in your bones and teeth. It\u2019s found naturally in soil, water, and foods. In the world of dentistry, it\u2019s commonly used to strengthen the outer layer of the teeth (enamel). Fluoride has proven to help protect against cavities. That\u2019s why it\u2019s produced synthetically for use in oral hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash. In addition, you find small amounts of it added to public water supplies in the United States and several other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Fluoride Protect Your Smile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At your routine dentist appointment, your dental hygienist may ask if you want fluoride treatment. Ever wonder why that is? Well, fluoride is proven to protect teeth by preventing demineralization while also being able to reverse the early stages of decay through remineralization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fluoride bonds to tooth enamel, which is largely comprised of calcium, phosphorus, hydrogen, and oxygen. It makes a crystal compound called hydroxylapatite<\/em>. Essentially, fluoride replaces the hydroxyl molecule to make teeth more resistant to cavity-causing bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking fluoridated water can lower the risk of cavities by as much as 25%!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Fluoride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends drinking fluoridated water because it supports dental health. Some incredible benefits it offers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n