If you look on the your toothpaste tube, and on your bottle of mouthwash, you should see a label telling you that your product contains fluoride. What is fluoride and why is it used in so many dental products?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring material that is found in the earth’s crust. In the 1930’s it was discovered that people who had grown up drinking water that had fluoride in it from the environment had fewer cavities than people who did not drink fluoridated water. Fluoride has been found to be a substance that increases the strength of your teeth, and since then, many cities have added fluoride to their water supplies.
In children, fluoride concentrates itself in their teeth and bones, and in adults, fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel, helping to prevent cavities. In cities where fluoride has been added to the drinking water, that water, combined with the use of a fluoride toothpaste will provide enough of the substance to your body. But if you are concerned about you or your children getting enough fluoride, you should consult your dentist. After an examination, they can recommend a fluoride treatment at home or in the office or can give you fluoride supplements.
If you have concerns about whether or not you are getting enough fluoride, if you have another dental need, or if it is just time for your regular cleaning and exam, our dentist, Dr. Kathryn Lewis at Findlay Dental Group in Findlay, Ohio, would love to see you. You can make an appointment by calling 419-423-0343.