Fluoride mineral, which is found in almost all natural resources on earth, is used in drinking water, some foodstuffs and personal care products due to its protective nature. Although various sources discuss the benefits and harms of fluoride, the studies carried out by the World Health Organization have revealed that fluoride for teeth is important. As a result of these studies, developed and developing countries put extra fluoride, especially in drinking water and toothpaste. As with any vitamin and mineral, excessive use of fluoride can lead to undesirable results. But fluoride is necessary for the mouth and teeth, since it helps maintain oral and dental health. So, what is the place of fluoride in dental health?
Dental Health and the Place of Fluoride
Fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents the formation of cavities, is one of the most effective ways in combating existing caries. Fluoride taken during infancy and childhood is included in the bone structure that continues its development. It supports the health of newly erupted teeth in children. Fluoride taken during adulthood strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavity formation. It also prevents existing bruises from getting worse.
During the day, processes called demineralization and remineralization continuously take place in the mouth. The enamel layer surrounding the surface of the tooth is formed by mineral crystals lined up side by side. The crystals in the enamel layer dissolve and precipitate every day. This is called demineralization which is dissolution, and remineralization, that is, reaccumulation.
Demineralization is the process of dissolving the crystals surrounding the surface of the tooth by acids accumulating in the mouth during the day. These acids are formed from the interaction of oral sugar and plaque bacteria. With remineralization, the fluorine, phosphate, calcium and minerals in the tooth enamel are balanced. In cases where the remineralization process is insufficient, demineralization increases which leads to the decaying of the teeth.
The importance of fluoride for teeth begins to show here. Fluoride contributes to the structure of the mouth and teeth in two ways:
The first is it helps the teeth development in children which is supplemented little by little to them. This supplement enters the bloodstream and while the permanent teeth of children are formed, it helps the teeth to be more durable and increases the resistance of the teeth against acids.
In addition, fluoride increases the rate of remineralization in the mouth. Thus, the deterioration of acid formation originating from bacteria is ensured. Factors such as food and secretions in the mouth can continuously reduce or increase the minerals in the teeth. The amount of acid in the saliva increases after a meal in order to digest the food. The high-density acid in the saliva causes the phosphorus and calcium to dissolve under the tooth surface. This cycle causes the tooth to gain sensitivity and become prone to cavity formation. When food is not consumed, saliva is less acidic.
In the meantime, the lost minerals are regained to the tooth enamel. This is where fluoride helps the restoration of worn out teeth. It helps the decreasing minerals to be attached to the teeth in a stronger way. It ensures minimal loss of minerals. Regular use of fluoride with the help of toothpaste is necessary. In addition, it is necessary to see the dentist twice a year in order to protect the health of the teeth and prevent possible dental problems.
Taking Sufficient Amount of Fluoride for Teeth
The use of fluoride is important to minimize the risk of cavities in children and adults. Brushing the teeth at least twice a day is necessary to ensure sufficient fluoride intake for the teeth. For the fluoride content in drinking water, you can choose the water you buy by looking at its contents, and you can get information from the water directorate in the region to find out the amount in the mains water.
You can also find out if you need additional fluoride by following your dentist’s instructions. You can take supplements with the advice of your doctor. The most accessible source of fluoride for teeth is toothpaste. It is necessary to pay attention to the amount of fluoride in toothpastes. The ingredients in the paste are shown in writing in the ingredients area. Toothpaste selection should be made by reading the articles here and deciding on its suitability.
You can ask your dentist when you are trying to choose the paste that is suitable for your mouth and teeth structure. Toothpastes contain an average of 1000-1500 ppm of fluoride. It is not recommended to use pastes containing fluoride, as there is a risk of swallowing in children aged two and under. Toothpastes are produced specifically for this age group. These pastes containing 250 ppm fluoride are considered sufficient for children with baby teeth.
Various products are used for oral and dental health, dental treatment and care. The most effective agent against cavities is the use of fluoride for teeth. With regular brushing, many dental problems can be prevented. For this reason, it is necessary to acquire the habit of brushing teeth correctly at an early age.
So, how should teeth be brushed? Proper brushing should last at least two minutes for an adult. Pay attention to the gum line. It should be treated gently and brushed with short movements. With proper brushing, the back of the teeth should be easily reached. If there is a filling, crown or a different treatment area in the mouth, it should be brushed in those parts. In order not to damage the gums during brushing, the toothbrush should be of medium hardness or soft texture.
How To Keep a Toothbrush Sanitary
Fluoride is the most effective tool that provides protection from oral, dental and gingival problems and the formation of unwanted plaque. You can get fluoride for teeth from drinking water and toothpaste.
Toothbrushes play an important role in daily life, as you need a toothbrush when using toothpaste. For this reason, special attention should be paid to the hygiene of the toothbrush. It is recommended to brush teeth at least twice a day for the health of the mouth and tooth structure.
Since the toothbrush will be used at least twice a day, there are some details that should be considered while ensuring its hygiene. Issues such as whether the brush is washed sufficiently, how it is stored, and the frequency of replacement are very important. No matter how carefully you brush while using fluoride for teeth, if you use a brush that does not comply with hygiene rules, you may not be able to protect yourself from bacteria.
So, how is the toothbrush kept hygienic? During the day, your hands are exposed to many dust, dirt and microbes. In order to prevent the toothbrush from being affected by these external factors, hands should be cleaned by washing regularly. In addition to cleaning during the day, hands should be cleaned of germs before brushing.
The toothbrush should be rinsed with water before and after each use. In this way, you can clean the toothbrush from paste, paste residues and dust. After the toothbrush is cleaned and rinsed, you can proceed to the brushing process. If you keep your toothbrush in a common area, you should pay attention not to touch each other with other brushes. In addition, you should pay attention to the ventilation of the toothbrush.
Since humid environments cause bacterial growth, you shouldn’t keep your toothbrush in an airless environment. When the toilet is flushed, germs spread around. You can put your toothbrush away from the toilet or keep it in the cupboard so that the bacteria does not get spread on your toothbrush. You can get rid of bacteria by cleaning toothbrushes that take fluoride for teeth.
The products used in the cleaning of toothbrushes are competent in eliminating bacteria. In addition to cleaning products, you can also disinfect your toothbrush with mouthwashes. You should replace the toothbrush every two or three months and children’s brushes should be changed much more frequently. Fluoride use and regular dental check-ups are necessary for healthy teeth. You should be careful not to skip your dental visits. In addition, you can visit a smile dentist turkey, to further enhance the beauty of your teeth.
You can reach our previous article from https://smileteamturkey.com/blog/closed-rhinoplasty-or-open-rhinoplasty/
