Fluoride: The Mineral that Can Save Your Smile

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If you would like to keep your teeth in tip-top shape, then it’s best to take advantage of fluoride on a regular basis. However, our Thomas G. Schleicher, DDS PLC team understands that that might be a difficult thing to do if you don’t know much about fluoride. So, to help you, we have provided the answers to the following questions about fluoride:

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is very beneficial for your teeth. It seeps into your tooth enamel and strengthens it, giving it the ability to fight tooth decay and enamel erosion. It also helps your teeth by repairing the enamel when it has been attacked or worn down by a harmful substance, which is called remineralization.

How can I get fluoride?

You can get fluoride by using fluoride toothpaste when you brush your teeth twice each day, drinking fluoridated water as much as possible, and receiving a professional fluoride treatment during your six-month checkups.

How do I know if my toothpaste contains fluoride?

Ensuring that your paste contains fluoride is simple and easy. All you need to do is look at the ingredient label and see if fluoride is listed.

Is fluoride harmful to children?

Fluoride isn’t generally harmful to children. However, it is harmful if your child receives too much fluoride. This is called dental fluorosis. This involves tooth discoloration or mottled tooth enamel. The best way to know the perfect amount of fluoride to receive is by talking to your dentist, Dr. Tom G. Schleicher.

If you have additional questions that were not included in this blog, please remember that you can always call our office at 804-526-0231 and ask your question. We are here to help you in any way we can, and we look forward to hearing from you!