What Is Fluoride and What Does Fluoride Do?

What Is Fluoride and What Does Fluoride Do?

There are many different types of toothpaste available, but fluoride toothpaste is most recommended by dentists worldwide. Fluoride prevents tooth decay in adults, among many other things. In fact, fluoride toothpaste makes up 95% of all toothpaste sales. Why? Read on for what fluoride toothpaste can do for you:

  • Helps remove plaque. The fluoride in toothpaste helps to remove the film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums every day. Plaque can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which is why the use of fluoride toothpaste is highly recommended. Fluoride prevents tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel.
  • Prevents dental cavities. A cavity is caused by acid in plaque on the teeth that is not removed, which causes the tooth to decay. Fluoride in toothpaste strengthens the enamel and induces remineralization of the tooth.
  • Protects the teeth. Even after spitting out toothpaste and rinsing your mouth, enough fluoride remains on the teeth to protect your teeth after brushing.
  • Accelerates remineralization. The tooth is made of tightly packed mineral crystals. Every day, minerals are lost and gained from the teeth. Losing minerals is demineralization, which is caused by plaque on the teeth, and remineralization is the growth of minerals.  Fluoride helps to speed up the remineralization process.
  • Prevents tooth decay. By strengthening the tooth enamel, fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay. It helps to repair early stages of tooth decay before decay may even be seen.

When using fluoride toothpaste, you are preventing cavities and strengthening the tooth enamel. The American Dental Association recommends both children and adults use fluoride toothpaste that displays the ADA Seal of Acceptance.