Most people don’t pay attention to the ingredients in their toothpaste when shopping. Typically, they stick to a preferred brand, often chosen for its taste. However, if you want strong teeth for a long time, you must check for another essential ingredient: fluoride. Whether labeled as fluoride toothpaste, stannous fluoride toothpaste, or high fluoride toothpaste, this single ingredient often determines how effective your daily brushing routine is.
The question remains, however, as to why fluoride is so important for teeth. You will find answers to this question in this blog and many others.
Read on!
What is Fluoride, and Why Is It Important?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in water, soil, and certain foods. In the dental world, it’s known for its cavity-fighting abilities. The enamel layer on your teeth is made of fluoride; when it wears down, fluoride helps heal. When incorporated into toothpaste or professional fluoride treatment, fluoride works by:
- Re-mineralizing weakened tooth enamel
- Slowing down the loss of minerals from enamel
- Inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria
- Preventing and even reversing early signs of tooth decay
The importance of fluoride for teeth can be understood because the American Dental Association has recommended it as a key component of dental care.
Benefits of Using Fluoride Toothpaste
There are many benefits of using fluoride toothpaste, which are discussed below:
Prevents Cavities
The most well-known benefit of fluoride toothpaste is cavity prevention. It creates a more acid-resistant surface on your teeth, which helps protect against the harmful effects of plaque and sugars.
Strengthens Enamel
Enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. It plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth from the imminent danger of bacteria due to sugary and acidic foods. Fluoride heals this enamel from wearing off and makes it resilient enough to endure the risk your dietary and lifestyle habits cause.
Helps with Sensitivity
Some stannous fluoride toothpaste formulas also help alleviate tooth sensitivity. Stannous fluoride creates a protective shield against the exposed dentin, thus helping with the discomfort from hot and cold foods.
Reverses Early Decay
At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we advise our patients to use fluoride toothpaste when tooth decay is caught in an early stage. This is because fluoride can help reverse the decay by replenishing lost minerals in the enamel.
Types of Fluoride in Toothpaste
Every fluoride toothpaste is different and thus offers distinct benefits. Here are the different fluorides with their specific benefits:
Sodium Fluoride
The most common type, sodium fluoride, is widely used for general cavity protection and enamel strengthening.
Stannous Fluoride
It offers added benefits, including protection against sensitivity, plaque, and gingivitis. Most people find it more beneficial for their overall oral care.
High Fluoride Toothpaste
It is fit for those who have a high risk of cavities. People with dry mouths, braces, and a history of dental decay are advised to use this type. It contains a lot of fluoride, usually unavailable in the supermarket’s toothpaste aisle. You need a prescription for this one.
When to Consider Fluoride Treatment?
At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we believe in complete oral care, and thus, we recommend fluoride treatment to our patients. It offers added protection, especially for:
- Children and teens with developing teeth
- Adults with exposed root surfaces
- People with dry mouth or other conditions that increase cavity risk
- Individuals wearing braces or dental appliances
At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we recommend fluoride treatments based on a patient’s unique oral health needs. It’s a simple, painless procedure with multiple benefits for your smile.
Choosing the Best Fluoride Toothpaste
With so many products on the market, how do you choose the best fluoride toothpaste?
Here are a few tips:
Look for ADA Seal: Always check whether the ADA has approved the toothpaste. It ensures that all safety and effectiveness standards have been met.
Check For The Right Fluoride Type: Depending on the problem you have, choose an appropriate toothpaste with the right fluoride type.
Ask Us: At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we always strive to be available for our patients. You can ask us about the right fluoride, or, depending on your dental concern, we prescribe a high-fluoride toothpaste.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have a dental problem or not, fluoride should always be a part of your dental routine. It is one of the smartest decisions as it protects your teeth in many ways.
If you’re unsure which toothpaste is best for you or your family, the Peace of Mind Dental Studio team in Chandler, AZ, is here to assist. We’re happy to help you choose the right dental products and treatments for lasting oral health.