We’ve all been to the dentist, and we’ve all had the fluoride put on our teeth. But maybe you don’t know why, why they’re putting that on there. So that’s what Alycia is going to tell us about.
What is Fluoride?
Many people don’t really know what fluoride is, or there’s a lot of controversy around it or has been in the past, but it’s just fluorine, which is an element on the periodic table with a negatively charged ion, which makes it fluoride.
In the mouth, when fluoride combines with calcium and phosphate, it actually makes the outer layer of your teeth extra strong, so your enamel. So that’s what cavities start to get into. That’s what sensitivity irritates is the enamel.
So, when we make a stronger enamel, we are less likely to get cavities. We can minimize any cavity that starting and we can prevent sensitivity to the hot, cold sweets, those little things that you feel.
Where can I find Fluoride?
Fluoride can be found in tap water and some bottled water brands. If you’re looking for extra fluoride, it can be found in different foods, and it can be found in toothpaste and mouthwashes.
If you’re unsure of if it’s in your toothpaste or mouthwash, just look on the back, and it will be in the ingredients label.
Fluoride Varnish
The fluoride varnish that we use in the office is 5% sodium fluoride, which is a higher percentage than what you’d get in a toothpaste or mouth rinse. It’s just a sticky goo we put on your teeth. It’s clear, so you can’t really see it’s on there. They apply it with a little paintbrush, and it’s done within 30 seconds – leaving a coating on your teeth.
Learn More About Flouride
If you are interested in learning more about fluoride at home or at the dentist, contact us today with any questions!
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