Fight Tooth Decay The Natural Way

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral used to help prevent tooth decay. While there are many myths out there on its effectiveness, we’re here to set the record straight and give you the truth about fluoride. 

Fluoridated Water

There are a few myths that need busting when it comes to fluoride and water. For example: that water fluoridation causes allergies, cancer and dental fluorosis. The fact of the matter is, though, that fluoride is naturally found in most foods and water, and reviews around the world consistently show no connection to water fluoridation and allergies. 

Scientists around the world have also conducted studies, and were unable to show a link between fluoride in water and cancer. While dental fluorosis is the only known side effect of water fluoridation, it’s still only a slight increase. Not to mention, the levels of fluoride used in the U.S. come with a very low likelihood of fluorosis. Even if one were to develop dental fluorosis, most cases are mild – whereas tooth decay can be extremely painful, affect your daily life and cost a great deal of money to repair. 

Is It Actually Effective?

Tooth decay happens when the outer layer of your tooth loses minerals and allows plaque and bacteria to invade crevices. What’s cool about fluoride is that it prevents mineral loss (demineralization) and even reverses this loss (remineralization). Basically, fluoride gives your teeth an extra protective front against acid attacks, hinders tooth decay and enhances restoration of minerals in your teeth. That’s why, for over 70 years, fluoride has been documented as an effective way to prevent and, in some cases, reverse tooth decay. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, community water fluoridation alone prevents at least 25% of tooth decay in children and adults throughout their lifespan. Take that, dental plaque!

Fluoride For The Family

Fear not: Fluoride is not a danger to children. It only really becomes a danger when misused or, in rare cases, the child gets too much. To reduce risks, help your children with their dental hygiene routine to make sure they don’t swallow toothpaste or other dental hygiene products. As detailed above, fluoride is here to protect your teeth. Giving your child fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste (under supervision) will only help them grow strong, healthy teeth while preventing any future tooth decay.

Want more info on using fluoride on your little ones? Click here!

Need A Fluoride Boost?

While there are over-the-counter fluoride treatments, other options to add fluoride into your daily routine exist. Visiting your dentist for a professional fluoride treatment can give you an extra boost to keep your smile sparkling. Magnolia Dental offers fluoride products such as mouth rinses and professionally applied gels and varnishes to give your teeth an extra line of defense against dental decay. Better yet, these are safe for children and adults, so the whole family can enjoy the benefits of fluoride!

Want to learn more about fluoride treatments at Magnolia Dental? Give us a call or schedule your consultation today!