Family Dentistry for Pasadena and Deer Park Texas:
Fluoride is still one of the best ways to keep teeth from getting cavities. Fluoride keeps things from breaking down in three different ways. First, fluoride ion makes it much more likely that calcium and phosphate ions in saliva will combine to form fluorapatite in the tooth structure. This insoluble precipitate takes the place of the liquid manganese and carbonate salts that were lost due to bacterial demineralization. Second, this process helps fill in small holes in teeth. Third, fluoride can kill microorganisms. Fluoride makes it harder for germs to stick together and slows ecological succession.
Fluoride stops tooth decay and fixes it.
- Plaque has bacteria that make acids. These acids get into the tooth surface and break it down. Over time, this process of enamel breaking down is what leads to cavities. Fluoride builds up the tooth where plaque wears it down.
- Fluoride is a chemical found in many foods and water. It protects teeth from bacteria that cause cavities by making tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.
- Fluoride can also help fix tooth decay in its early stages. This is done through a process called remineralization, which builds up the tooth. This mineral helps prevent cavities by making it harder for plaque bacteria to make acid in the first place.
- Fluoride comes in many different forms.
- Fluoride can be put on the teeth directly through toothpastes and mouth rinses with fluoride. Since 1960, the number of cavities has gone down by a lot because of toothpaste with fluoride.
- Fluoride can also be put on teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish at a dentist’s office. It’s important to get a fluoride treatment every now and then because it has a higher quantity of fluoride.
- Fluoride Intake Is Important At All Ages
- Fluoride can be especially helpful for babies and young children. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years, fluoride gets into the permanent teeth as they grow, defending them from bacteria that cause cavities.
- But both kids and adults need to get enough fluoride to keep their teeth healthy. Fluoride will help you fight tooth decay even after your permanent teeth have grown in. This is just as important as hardening your teeth as they grow in.
- People with certain health problems can benefit from getting more fluoride in their bodies. For example, your dentist may suggest more fluoride treatments or vitamins if you have dry mouth, gum disease, or a history of getting cavities often. Ask us if you could get more fluoride to help you.
- Tooth decay can be stopped.
In simple terms: Fluoride makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay AND helps remineralize and stop small cavities. Fluoride limits bacteria’s ability to stick to teeth and kills bacteria. This is why we highly recommend professionally applied Fluoride Treatments at your cleanings.Dr. Nugent is a leader in Cosmetic, General, Implant and Sedation Dentistry. His practice is at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas. Dr. Nugent was voted Best Dentist by the Pasadena Texas Citizens newspaper multiple times. Dr. Nugent welcomes patients from Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, League City, Webster, Pearland, Clear Lake, and Houston, Texas. Protect your teeth with professionaly applied dental fluoride when visiting our Pasadena, Texas dental office.
Call us at 713-941-8261 to see how wonderful dentistry can be.