Role of Fluoride in preventing Tooth Decay

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When it comes to dental health, decaying of tooth and tooth cavity are common problems that most of us experience during our lifetime. A dental cavity is a hole in a tooth which is the result of a tooth decaying process. The plaque has certain harmful acids that cause loss of minerals from the tooth, weakening the enamel, which further results in tooth decay. While tooth decay is a serious problem, the formation of small cavities can be reversed by re-mineralization process (deposition of minerals into damaged areas of the tooth).

Understanding Tooth Decay:

Different types of bacteria live on our teeth, tongue, gums and other places in the mouth. Some of these bacteria are helpful but others may cause tooth decay. These bacteria cause tooth decay by using sugars from our food to make acids, which further create cavities. If a tooth is too much exposed to acid frequently then the tooth enamel loses minerals and causes cavities.

Gladly, tooth enamel can repair itself with the help of minerals from saliva and a chemical salt Fluoride but fluoride is not that easily available. The fluoride ion is derived from the element fluorine which is the 13th most abundant element in the crust of earth. 

Fluorine exists only in combination with other elements as a fluoride compound and is not found in a free state ever. Fluorine is found in mineral rocks and soil. When water passes over fluoride containing rocks, it creates fluoride ions. That’s how small amounts of soluble fluoride ions are always present in all water sources including rivers, waterfalls and even oceans.

The easiest source of fluoride for your dental health is a fluoride rich toothpaste. The best and cheap dentist Las Vegas suggests to use toothpaste rich in fluoride.  

Tooth decay can happen in adults too:

While it is a common notion that cavities and tooth decay are dental problems experienced in your age only, it happens to adults too. Decaying of teeth in older people can be a side effect of medications. Brushing teeth with a fluoride containing toothpaste can definitely help these patients. Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay from progressing by preventing mineral loss and replacing lost minerals. One can get fluoride by taking fluoridated water or by brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste.

In any case if a tooth cavity is developed, you definitely need to visit Smile dental Las Vegas and consult with an expert dentist.

What expert dentists say?

The best and cheap dentist Las Vegas suggests brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. There are certain precautions that should be taken while using fluoridated toothpaste especially in case a child is using it. Children should be guided to spit the toothpaste after brushing. They should not swallow it. 

Fluoride toothpaste should not be used without a dentist’s recommendation. Over consumption of fluoride by children under 6 years of age is harmful for them. It may develop fine lines and/or freckles on their permanent teeth which is also known as Dental Fluorosis. 

Ingested fluoride gets absorbed through the stomach and intestine into one’s bloodstream that helps in strengthening teeth. Fluoride develops tooth buds. The interaction of fluoride with the developing crystals initiates the replacement tooth enamel’s normal crystalline composition known as hydroxyapatite with a crystal incorporating fluoride. This related crystal known as Fluorapatite is more resistant to decay than is hydroxyapatite. 

Fluoride can definitely prevent tooth decaying and hence tooth cavities. You must consult with your dentist and also check your toothpaste for fluoride if you want healthy and cavity-free teeth.

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