Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical element and is categorized as an essential mineral. It is naturally found in different proportions in water sources, such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and groundwater. Fluoride can also be found in some foods, particularly seafood and tea.
It is useful for numerous purposes from dental care to other health benefits. But as enshrined in the title, we will concentrate on how fluoride is important to avoid tooth decay.
Benefits of fluoride to prevent tooth decay
- Fluoride is an element that helps in strengthening the tooth enamel. It makes the teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars, which may lead to tooth decay. In other words, fluoride remineralizes the tooth enamel.
- Instant exposure to fluoride, either through toothpaste, mouthwash, or fluoridated water, often reduces the risk of tooth cavities. It helps in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and aids in the growth of good bacteria in the mouth.
- Remineralization coupled with aid in the growth of good bacteria led to healthy teeth for a longer period.
- The use of fluoride is cost-effective as compared to the cost of cavity treatment. When fluoride is recommended even in small quantities, it is safe to be used.
- Nowadays, most societies add fluoride to their water supply to ensure the continuous supply of a small amount of fluoride but in an appropriate amount.
- If any area there is a low level of fluoride in the water, the people residing in that area are more prone to tooth decay. These people are prescribed by dentists or healthcare professionals fluoride supplements in the form of tablets or drops.
Everything has two sides: one is good and the other is bad. We have seen the good ones let's talk about the ill effects due to fluoride use.
Common Concerns related to fluoride use
- Dental fluorosis is a common dental problem found in children. If the child consumes fluoride in excess during their teeth growth, they become prone to this problem. It causes staining or mottling of the teeth. This concern can be avoided by using fluoride products as directed by the dental specialist.
- The fluoride should be taken in appropriate quantities as high concentrations can cause health concerns in humans especially those belonging to the younger age bracket.
- There is less chance of any allergic reaction caused due to fluoride exposure. But as the dentist prescribes and the major companies like the one of toothpaste and mouthwash, deep research formulate the use of fluoride to minimize the risk of any allergic response.
- Some people prefer to use fluoride-free dental care products. While these options are easily available, it is essential to remember that fluoride remains one of the most effective and teeth-friendly components for preventing tooth decay. Using fluoride-free products may require other crucial preventive measures, such as stricter eating habits and good oral hygiene practices. These preventive measures have to be followed regularly.
- Lack of proper facilities for safe disposal of fluoride can have negative environmental effects. The availability of a larger quantity of fluoride in water bodies can cause contamination of fluoride in the sea animals hampering the food cycle.
Conclusion
When it comes to dental care, fluoride is an important part of dental care to prevent any tooth decay by strengthening enamel and reducing the risk of any early cavities.
There are some of the major concerns related to fluoride use. It is true if fluoride is used in quantity as recommended it is generally safe and highly beneficial for good oral hygiene. But always remember anything excessive is always dangerous, and so is fluoride.
It is good to discuss your oral health problems with dentists rather than dealing with them on your own. If you are concerned about a good and trustworthy pediatric dentist for your children, Sri Satya Dental Hospital in Vishakhapatnam provides the right oral healthcare for kids and juniors.
Sri Satya Dental Hospital offers a one-stop oral care solution for the younger age group. The hospital provides a complete three-sixty-degree dental solution for your kids and minors. We do understand the early years of any junior involve a lot of dental and oral complications. And considering that, we take the best care through every possible clinical assistance that your child needs.
Reach out to us on the details listed below.
