What is fluoride?
Ever wondered what makes your smile shiny and strong? Meet fluoride, a natural occurring mineral found in rocks, soil, food, and water supplies. It comes with a mission – to keep your teeth strong and healthy, fighting off cavities and keeping your smile shining. The secret weapon is found in your toothpaste and tap water (depending on where you live), which adds an extra layer of protection to your pearly whites.
How does fluoride work?
Tooth decay results from the interaction of bacteria from the food and drink we consume, release acids and mix with saliva and cause erosion on the teeth’s outer surface, known as enamel. Fluoride plays a crucial role in strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resilient to attacks, being a superhero shield for your teeth.
Fluoride doesn’t stop there! It dives deep into your enamel teaming up with calcium and phosphate to create a tooth-defence duo that is called fluorapatite. This process prevents enamel from breaking down, known as demineralisation, as well as repairs any previous damage, which is called remineralisation.
Why is it important?
Fluoride is a dental superhero. We all know that tooth aches can be excruciating so by strengthening your teeth, fluoride helps to make it harder for cavities to take over by reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Embrace your smile
In your daily oral routine, fluoride is your best friend. Regular use of fluoride toothpaste ensures your teeth are better protected – your ticket to fewer dental appointments. Make sure to avoid rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth, as you remove that protective layer.
Embrace your smile’s secret weapon of fluoride and this mighty mineral will work its magic. Your teeth will thank you with a radiant, cavity-free grin.