Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral that builds strong teeth and prevents cavities. It’s been an essential oral health treatment for decades. Fluoride supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm teeth and gums.
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Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at high risk of developing dental caries, or cavities. Cavities occur when bacteria build up on teeth and gums and form a sticky layer of plaque. Plaque produces an acid that erodes teeth and gum tissue.
If the plaque breaks down the enamel layer, bacteria can infect and harm the nerves and blood at the core of the tooth.
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Fluoride aids in calcifying teeth making them stronger and more acid resistant. It restores tooth enamel and prevents harmful bacteria from building up in the mouth.
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Dentists provide professional fluoride treatments in the form of a highly concentrated rinse, foam, gel, or varnish. The treatment may be applied with a swab, brush or tray. It is painless and only takes a minute or two.
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What about the harmful effects of fluoride?
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Like any medication, too much fluoride can cause negative complications. You can get too much fluoride by accidentally overdosing or by being prescribed a dose that’s too high. However the risk is much greater from systemic intake (fluoride tablets) than topical application (tooth paste, rinse, gel, etc.)
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