The Purpose of Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and waters. Each day minerals are lost from a tooth’s enamel layer and plaque is formed which attacks the enamel. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acids and reverses early decay. Fluoride is most critical for infants and children between six months and 16 months of age. During this timeframe, the primary and permanent teeth come in which is why fluoride is so critical during this time. Fluoride is just as important in children, as well as adults. As previously mentioned, fluoride is found in foods and waters. Fluoride can also be directly applied to the teeth through toothpastes and mouth rinses. At your routine cleaning, our dental hygienists can apply a much higher level of fluoride than in toothpastes and mouth rinses.