Strengthen Your Teeth by Using These Fluoride Sources

If you want strong and healthy teeth, then you need to make sure they are exposed to fluoride each and every day. However, that might be a tough task if you’re not sure how to access fluoride. So, to help you help your teeth, Dr. John J. Andre and our dental team are happy to list the different ways you can boost your fluoride exposure.

First, ask for a fluoride treatment at John J. Andre, DDS & Associates. For your benefit, Dr. John J. Andre and our dental team offer a professional fluoride treatment each time you come into our office for a professional teeth cleaning and exam. This treatment generally comes in the form of a foam, gel or varnish and it is most likely flavored.

Second, use fluoride oral hygiene products. If you brush your teeth every morning and every night with fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association, your smile will be exposed to fluoride on a regular basis. Also, it’s best to rinse your mouth daily with fluoride mouth rinse. If you do this, your smile will be thoroughly cleaned and your chompers will be nourished.

Third, use natural fluoride sources. You can find fluoride in specific bottles of water and in your tap water. Usually, cities provide fluoridated water for your health and convenience. Lastly, there are some foods you can eat that can help you increase your fluoride exposure. Those foods are pickles, carrots, spinach and tomatoes. For additional tips about fluoridated food, please talk to Dr. John J. Andre.

How Fluoride Protects Your Enamel

Every time you eat or drink, bacteria in your mouth produce acids that pull minerals out of your enamel. Fluoride helps put those minerals back, a process called remineralization, and it makes enamel more resistant to future acid attacks. Because this cycle repeats all day long, small, regular doses of fluoride work better than an occasional large one.

Who Benefits From Extra Fluoride?

Everyone can benefit from fluoride, but some patients may need extra protection. People who get cavities often, wear braces, or have dry mouth are at higher risk of decay. Adults with receding gums also have exposed tooth roots, which are softer than enamel and decay more easily. If you fall into one of these groups, ask our dentists whether a prescription-strength toothpaste or more frequent professional treatments make sense for your family.

Using Fluoride Safely

More is not better when it comes to fluoride. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children ages three and older, and just a smear about the size of a grain of rice for younger children, and teach them to spit rather than swallow. Too much fluoride while permanent teeth are still forming can cause fluorosis, which appears as faint white streaks on the enamel. It is cosmetic and avoidable with the right amount. Rinses deserve the same care: fluoride mouthwash is not recommended for young children who may swallow it, so ask us which products suit each member of your family.

If your family drinks well water or mostly bottled water, check whether it contains fluoride, since many bottled waters do not. Our family dentistry team can help you decide how much fluoride your household needs. Learn more about our general and family dentistry services and children's dentistry, or see our tips for cavity prevention for kids.

For more information, tips and details about how to access fluoride in Louisa, Virginia, please call our office at (540) 402-9693 at your earliest convenience. Our dental team will be happy to give you the answers and information you’re looking for so you can keep your teeth in tip-top shape. We look forward to hearing from and helping you!

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