Fluoride is a key element of your preventive dental care plan at Pranati Chokshi, DMD, PA, due to its ability to strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, inhibit harmful bacteria, reduce tooth sensitivity, and offer cost-effective protection for individuals of all ages. Incorporating fluoride into your daily oral hygiene routine and visiting our Winter Garden dental office regularly for professional treatments can significantly improve your dental health and prevent future dental issues.

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What Does Fluoride Do?

Remineralization

Fluoride helps to remineralize tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the tooth. When you consume sugary or acidic foods and drinks, the bacteria in your mouth produce acids that demineralize (break down) the enamel. Fluoride helps to reverse this process by attracting minerals like calcium and phosphate back to the enamel, strengthening it and making it more resistant to acid attacks.

Inhibition of Bacterial Activity

Fluoride disrupts the activity of the bacteria that cause cavities, primarily Streptococcus mutans. It inhibits the ability of these bacteria to produce acid, which reduces the overall acid level in the mouth. This decreased acid production helps to protect the enamel from demineralization.

Enhancing Enamel’s Structure

Fluoride incorporates into the structure of developing teeth in children, making the enamel more robust and resistant to decay. When fluoride is present during the formation of teeth, it gets incorporated into the crystalline structure of the enamel, making it harder and more resistant to acid damage.

Reducing Tooth Sensitivity

By strengthening the enamel and promoting remineralization, fluoride also helps to reduce tooth sensitivity. Stronger enamel provides better protection to the underlying dentin and nerve endings in the teeth, reducing sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet stimuli.

Providing Long-Lasting Protection

Fluoride provides long-lasting protection by maintaining a constant low level of fluoride in the mouth through sources like drinking water, toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional treatments from our Winter Garden dental office. This ongoing presence of fluoride continues to protect teeth from cavities over time.

What Are Some Sources of Fluoride?

  • Fluoridated Water: Many communities add fluoride to their public water supply to help reduce cavities.
  • Toothpaste and Mouth Rinses: Most toothpaste and some mouth rinses contain fluoride.
  • Professional Treatments: Dr. Chokshi can apply fluoride treatments in the form of gels, foams, or varnishes during your regular dental visits.
  • Dietary Supplements: In some cases, Dr. Chokshi may recommend fluoride supplements for children who do not have access to fluoridated water.

By incorporating fluoride into your daily oral hygiene routine and maintaining regular dental visits, you can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and ensure healthier teeth for the long term. If you have any questions about fluoride, ask Dr. Chokshi or a member of our Winter Garden dental staff.