Fluoride Helps Prevent Tooth Decay

Fluoride plays an important role in the well-being of your teeth. Knowing the benefits of fluoride will help you know more about plaque and how you can prevent cavities from forming in your teeth. Your tooth enamel is hard but it is porous at the same time. Plaque that builds up on the surface of your teeth has the ability to produce acids that are strong enough to seep into the pores of the enamel and completely break down its internal structure. Known as demineralization, this can create further weak spots in your teeth that may become a cavity if you leave it untreated. Tooth decay first begins on biting surfaces, between the teeth, on roots that are exposed and around fillings. If left untreated, this decay can spread into the tooth and will infect the pulp. This destroys the tooth structure. When this happens, you would need to go in for a root canal treatment. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. This is done through slowing down the breakdown of the enamel. It also helps increase the rate of remineralization. The new enamel crystals that form with the help of fluoride are more resistant to acid, stronger and harder. Fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste and mouth rinse are common sources of fluoride. Brush regularly with a fluoride toothpaste and see your dentist regularly. Make fluoride a part of your daily dental habit.