By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert
Found in rocks, water and soil as well as in a variety of foods and in our bodies, there are an abundance of sources of this naturally occurring mineral. Fluoride has many functions and plays an important role in dental health. Let’s take a closer look at the many facets of fluoride.
- Fluoride helps with the remineralization process, repairing teeth and strengthening enamel. It facilitates the creation of harder, larger enamel crystals that are more resistant to acid.
- While a variety of foods contain trace amounts of fluoride (grapes, raisins, wine, black tea, spinach, potatoes) it’s nearly impossible to get enough fluoride from food alone. A serving of fluoride-containing foods only provides between 2-4% of the recommended daily amount.
- The fluoride that our bodies produce and ingest mixes with saliva and is distributed around our mouths, continually coating our teeth.
- Drinking fluoridated water – 0.7 mg/liter – helps ensure that you receive the recommended daily amount of this important mineral. Fluoridated community water helps prevent 25% of cavities in children and adults.
- In addition to drinking water, fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash are excellent sources of fluoride. Our fluoride program is another excellent way to increase the fluoride available to help strengthen your teeth. When you come in for your routine exam and cleaning, our dental hygienists apply a fluoride varnish to your teeth that serves as an enamel-strengthening boost. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff may also recommend that you take a fluoride supplement if your water supply isn’t fluoridated.
- Over 100 health organizations recognize the importance of fluoride to protect teeth against decay.
- Fluoride has been researched and prioritized for the last 75 years. Fluoridated drinking water is heralded as one of the Ten Great Public Health Achievements of the 20th century.
At Eggert Family Dentistry, we recognize the importance of fluoride and make fluoride treatments a regular part of our practice for adults and children. If you want to learn more about the many benefits of fluoride or to schedule a routine visit, give us a call at 651.482.8412.
