Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to bacterial infection. We typically encourage fluoride treatments for younger patients in our office because it helps prevent cavities. Applying a fluoride solution to teeth helps protect the enamel from harmful bacteria that can break down the tooth structure. One of the advantages of fluoride is that you do not have to try hard to add fluoride into your daily life. Learn just how prevalent fluoride is in everyday products and learn how fluoride can improve your oral health in our Arlington Heights, IL dental office.
Where Can I Find Fluoride?
Fluoride is common in everyday life. You can find fluoride in these products:
- Toothpaste: A large majority of toothpaste include in your local grocery store features fluoride in it. Believe it or not, you may have to look for a toothpaste that does not have fluoride in it.
- Mouthwash: There are also several mouthwash products that can be found in your grocery food or pharmacy. However, you should not use mouthwash multiple times a day as excessive fluoride can damage teeth.
- Bottled Water: Several different brands of bottled water add fluoride to the water because of their benefits. Even non-bottled water is processed with fluoride.
Facts About Fluoride
Learn more about fluoride with these facts:
- The U.S. Fluorinates Their Water: In the United States, almost every county adds fluoride to its tap water system. Drinking fluoridated water strengthens the tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
- Fluoride Is Not Fluorine: When people refer to the fluoride in our drinking water, toothpaste, or food additives, we’re mostly referring to sodium fluoride. Fluorine is a gas and chemical element that is not safe to consume.
- Fluoride Is Natural: Fluoride is a mineral that is in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. However, the natural fluoride level in all of these things varies.
- You Can Have Too Much Fluoride: Fluoride, like many other minerals or substances, can be harmful in high doses. Over-exposure to fluoride can lead to other dental or overall health concerns. However, if you
If you would like to learn more about fluoride treatment, you can schedule your next dental visit on our website. You can also call (847) 230-9703. Arlington Heights Smiles serves many local communities including Long Grove, Deerfield, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, IL, and many other local Chicago suburbs. Don’t hesitate to ask our team if you have questions about your current oral health concerns or our dental treatments. Our team is here to help.