Fluoride in Toothpaste

Why Do We Put Fluoride in Toothpaste?

First impressions are everything. Did you know that 76% of people base first impressions on one’s smile? Having a beautiful smile matters.  

To get the best smile, you need to have good oral hygiene. A great toothpaste can help preserve your teeth. It can also help prevent common oral health issues. 

Not all toothpaste is equal. You need to buy a toothpaste that contains fluoride. 

Why is fluoride in toothpaste? Read on to learn why toothpaste should have fluoride.  

What Is Fluoride?

You may be asking, “What is fluoride?” It’s a naturally occurring mineral. One can find it in water sources like rivers. 

Fluoride is present in water systems across the country. About 73% of Americans have access to water that contains fluoride. This mineral is safe to consume. 

People can add this mineral to food and beverages. Various products can contain fluoride. You may find it in small amounts in brewed coffee. 

You may also find it in canned shrimp and raisins. Other foods that may contain fluoride include cooked rice and pork chops. 

What Fluoride Does

Fluoride promotes tooth health. It helps the tooth enamel in two different ways. Fluoride strengthens developing enamel in children under the age of seven. 

This mineral helps the enamel become harder. When the enamel hardens it’s able to resist cavities and decay. 

In adults, fluoride helps the enamel remain strong. The stronger the enamel is, the better it’s able to resist acid. 

Fluoride in toothpaste has a remineralization effect. This process rebuilds worn-down enamel. It also does the same to weakened enamel. 

Fluoride will not get rid of tooth decay. It can help keep decay from affecting the inner teeth. It’s able to do this by strengthening the enamel.  

Think about fluoridated toothpaste as a topical solution. Using this type of toothpaste enhances the enamel’s defenses.  

Using Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is one of the most important toothpaste ingredients to look for in a toothpaste. To get the most out of your fluoride toothpaste, you must use it as directed by your dentist. 

You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time. Make this part of your daily routine. 

How much fluoride toothpaste should you apply to your toothbrush? Adults need to use a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste. Children under three should use an amount the size of a grain of rice. 

What can happen if you don’t use fluoride toothpaste? If you don’t use it and don’t maintain good oral hygiene, the risk of dealing with dental issues increases.  

Dental plaque will build up. Cavities can set in. In time, these dental issues may lead you to lose a tooth or two. 

Tooth extraction can be painful. Read the full article on boiseoralsurgery.com to learn how painful it can be. 

Fluoride in Toothpaste Is a Must

Preventing cavities and other dental issues comes easy if you use fluoride toothpaste. Now that you know why we put fluoride in toothpaste, you need to buy it. It’ll be the best decision you were made. 

Make sure to explore the rest of our blog to continue reading more great articles. 

Anything to Add? Leave a Comment!