There are several different factors that can contribute to the development of things like cavities (which result from tooth decay). However, all of those factors culminate in the erosion of the healthy enamel around your teeth, which makes it possible for harmful oral bacteria to reach and infect the main part of your tooth structure. The point of good dental hygiene, especially brushing and flossing your teeth, is to limit this erosion from occurring, mainly by controlling oral bacteria and the impact they can have on your tooth enamel. To help you do this more successfully, many popular toothpaste brands contain fluoride, which can be an essential part of keeping your teeth consistently strong and healthy.
A look at your tooth enamel
The enamel that surrounds your healthy teeth is semi-translucent, which means you barely see it. However, it’s the most important defense mechanism that your teeth have, and when healthy, enamel is the strongest substance your body produces. Tooth enamel owes its strength to the minerals that make up its composition, and when oral bacteria attack it, they do so by producing acids that break down these mineral strands and weaken the enamel. By brushing and flossing away bacteria every day you can limit their ability to weaken tooth enamel. Also, when your toothpaste contains fluoride, you can also improve the strength of your tooth enamel faster.
What fluoride is meant to do
Fluoride isn’t one of the dominant minerals in your tooth enamel, such as calcium or phosphate. However, it is compatible with your tooth enamel, and when applied to the surfaces of your teeth, it can help strengthen the layer by binding to its diminished mineral strands. Because you only brush your teeth twice, oral bacteria may have a bigger impact on your tooth enamel than you realize. After hours of being subject to their harmful substances, your enamel can benefit greatly from the boost that fluoride toothpaste can provide it.
Benefiting even more with fluoride treatment
Fluoride is a popular ingredient in many toothpaste brands because of its benefit to your healthy tooth enamel. However, when enamel has grown excessively weak and is at risk of being compromised, some patients can benefit from a more direct application of fluoride during their routine checkup and cleaning appointments. By carefully applying a safe but potent fluoride solution to the surfaces of your teeth, we may be able to significantly strengthen the enamel before it develops a hole (or cavity) that it can’t self-recover from.
Learn how fluoride can protect your teeth
Using toothpaste with fluoride and the ADA’s seal of approval can help significantly boost the effectiveness of your dental hygiene routine. To schedule an appointment, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI, today at 248-693-6213.