Tooth decay is the most common dental problem children and adults face with an estimated 42% of children and 92% of adults having had at least one cavity. When the enamel becomes weakened, it causes small holes to develop. When left untreated, the dentin of the tooth will become exposed, resulting in a cavity. While oral hygiene and preventive dental care are vital to reducing the risk for tooth decay, there is another factor that can combat dental caries—fluoride. Fluoride is known as “Nature’s Cavity Fighter” because it prevents tooth decay and can even reverse the early stages of cavity development. As your dentist in Accra, we support the use of fluoride to help keep the enamel strong.
Benefit from the Protection of Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that is found all around us, including in your mouth. The compounds help to keep the enamel strong to prevent cavities. However, as our teeth are constantly bombarded by cavity-causing foods and bacteria, the enamel will weaken. If you do not maintain proper fluoride intake, your enamel will not be able to withstand the attack, leading to a cavity.
Essentially, fluoride acts as a superhero to work with your saliva, which cleanses the mouth, to reduce the damage from cavity-causing bacteria. With strong enamel, your risk for tooth decay drastically declines. In addition, fluoride has even been shown effective for reducing the early stages of tooth decay to restore the enamel.
Protect Your Smile with Fluoride
Now, you can receive the fluoride you need from a variety of sources. Among the greatest resource for the compound involves tap water. Fluoride is added to public water sources due to its benefits. As a result, simply choose tap water over bottled to help keep your smile healthy.
Many dental products contain fluoride, such as toothpastes and mouthrinses. You should always choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. By brushing twice a day with the toothpaste, you will promote the strength of the enamel to ward off decay. You can complete your oral hygiene routine with a fluorinated mouthrinse, which will bathe the teeth in the compound.
At Bethel Dental, we routinely provide fluoride treatments for children at each preventive appointment. Although children stand the greatest risk for tooth decay, it can happen to anyone, which is why we offer fluoride treatments to adults as well. Simply request the treatment at your next dental appointment. We use a high-quality, safe varnish to coat the teeth. The treatment only takes a couple of minutes to give your teeth an added layer of protection.
Choose Fluoride for a Healthy Smile
Fluoride is a simple and noninvasive way to promote the health of your family’s smiles. With tooth decay one of the most common conditions we treat, you can protect your family by choosing the right dental products, drinking tap water, and visiting our office twice a year for preventive care. To benefit from a fluoride treatment, contact Bethel Dental today to schedule a consultation.