Wausau Dentist

Fluoride is a chemical compound derived from fluorine, an abundant and common element found naturally in the earth?s crust. Research has shown that fluoride has the ability to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay and cavities. For this reason, many dentists and other health professionals regularly ask their patients about their fluoride intake, as well as include fluoride treatments during typical checkups.

How Fluoride Protects Teeth

Tooth decay is the process by which the protective enamel layer of teeth is weakened and eaten away. When bacteria in the mouth feed on food debris and break down the sugars in it, they produce harmful acids which, over time, eat away at the enamel which covers the teeth. Even though enamel is the toughest and hardest substance in the human body, eventually even it will become seriously damaged by the acids. The holes in the enamel caused by tooth decay are known as cavities, which can be painful and may result in tooth loss if not treated.

Fluoride can protect against tooth decay in several ways. First of all, fluoride has been shown to strengthen the enamel layer of teeth. Thus, the enamel becomes much more resistant to damage by bacteria-produced acids. Secondly, fluoride promotes a process called remineralization. Remineralization is when tooth enamel repairs itself after being damaged. Because fluoride assists in this process, it is able to reverse the early stages of tooth decay and help prevent cavities from ever forming.

How We Get Our Fluoride

As the benefits of fluoride became well known, people began looking into ways to get the fluoride they need to maintain healthy teeth. The good news is that fluoride is not particularly hard to obtain. To begin with, some water sources naturally contain levels of fluoride. Many cities and water treatment plants will also add fluoride to their water before it enters people?s homes. If you live in an area with fluoridated water, you are getting your fluoride every time you drink water.

There are also other ways to get fluoride, particularly for people who live in areas without fluoridated water, or whether the levels of fluoride in water are insufficient. Dentists may prescribe fluoride tablets or oral drops, for example. Many brands of toothpaste, as well as certain types of mouthwash, also contain fluoride.

Of course, there is more to a healthy mouth than just fluoride. Even fluoride is no substitute for proper brushing and flossing, and regular visits to your local dentist. For dental care in the Wausau area, contact Wausau dentist Dr. James S. Kim at 715-849-5667 to set up an appointment today.