Fluorides are best known as cavities fighter if taken in optimum amount in diet, it is naturally occurring mineral for so many good reasons. Tooth outermost surface is called enamel, which is the hardest substance made of calcium and phosphorous, when the intake of candy, crackers, sticky food is increased the enamel surface is attacked by bacteria which degrade the enamel and eventually dentin and develop cavities. To prevent the cavities formation the fluoride in our diet and saliva (from toothpaste and water) fights back to the sugar and forms hard substance layer over teeth and further re-mineralizes the tooth structure, that is why fluorides are considered as superheroes for cavity prevention.
Fluorides intake for adults in toothpaste should be 1000ppm and for kids between ages 3-6 years is pea-sized toothpaste; community water also supplies the fluoride. An optimum level of fluorides is suggested otherwise it may cause dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis.
Benefits of fluoride –
· Re-mineralizes the tooth enamel.
· Protection from early tooth decay.
· Prevention of bacteria growth.
How dentist supply the fluoride and reduces further progression of cavities: -
The varnishes are painted on the teeth surface; foams are put into a mouth guard, which is applied to the teeth for one to four minutes; gels can be painted on or applied via a mouth guard as preventive measures. The working professionals suggest to take initial treatments rather than delaying as the food habits are degrading the tooth exponentially. Along with preventive measures, proper oral hygiene maintenance is pivotal for caries prevention.
#makingsmileincredible