What Does Fluoride Do To Protect Your Smile?

Scientists and researchers have been using fluoride as a beneficial mineral for oral health since 1901. It is a preventive treatment against most oral conditions and can protect tooth enamel by hardening them. But what is its importance, and why is it a popular ingredient in most mouthwashes and toothpaste? In this article, you will learn how fluoride treatment works and its side effects.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is quite beneficial for your enamel. Its oral benefits can help with conditions of tooth decay if taken in smaller quantities regularly. They are not complex chemical compounds, but this simple mineral can solve multiple gum problems.

This mineral hardens enamel and adds a layer of protection to them. This protective layer shields gums and enamel from tooth decay. Usually, the bacteria present in the mouth eat up sugar and slowly degrade the enamel. It leads to diminished enamel and cavities and ultimately causes severe periodontal conditions. This can be solved using fluoride mouthwashes and toothpaste.

When is Fluoride Treatment Most Crucial?

Fluoride treatments are essential for children below 16 years of age. They are primarily negligent about oral health, and their teeth are in transition from milk to permanent teeth. Researchers have proved via various studies that fluoride content in toothpastes and mouthwashes can help develop healthier teeth and avoid cavities.

Dry Mouth

It results from diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome or medications, including anti-anxiety pills. In this condition, the saliva is less produced and causes dryness in the mouth. It results in the formation of corrosive acids in the mouth as food particles are difficult to swallow with less saliva.

Gum Disease

It is also called Periodontitis, and it can cause exposure of gum roots due to the demineralization of teeth enamel. It can cause gingivitis and symptoms like extreme pain and sensitivity in the exposed nerves if ignored.

History of Recurrent Cavities

Fluoride treatments may be beneficial for people with frequent cavities.

Having Crowns and other dental devices

These dental devices expose the teeth to a high risk of dental decay where the crown meets the underlying tooth structure. There is also a risk of decay around orthodontic appliances’ brackets.

How Does Fluoride Treatment Work?

Fluoride works in reducing bacterial growth in the mouth and hardening enamel. It adds a layer of protection and reduces the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis. It keeps beneficial minerals for the enamel and removes corrosive acid that is formed by leftover food in the mouth.

 

Tooth decay cannot be treated with fluoride, but strengthening the tooth enamel prevents tooth decay from penetrating the deeper parts of a tooth. Fluoride treatment reduces cavities among children and teenagers by 43 percent, according to a study on cavity prevalence.

Side Effects Of Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride excessively can cause the following side effects:

• White spots on permanent teeth
• Stained and pitted teeth
• Bone homeostasis issues
• Intensely dense and deficiently strong bones

Fluoride pills, for example, have the following side effects when overdosed:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Excess sweating

Final Thoughts

Fluoride is slowly but steadily becoming part of the daily routine for most people. With increasing awareness about oral health, people are using fluoride mouth rinses, and the government is adding some amount of fluoride to the tap water supply. You can ask your dentist about other benefits of fluoride treatment and prevent periodontal conditions with an extra layer of protection.

A fluoride mouth rinse can protect enamel against plaque formation. Along with toothpaste and mouthwash, one must brush twice and floss once regularly to avoid earlier signs of periodontal diseases. Always remember, precaution is better than cure.