Benefits Of Fluoride Toothpaste
Dr. Carol Jin, DDS, in San Ramon, believes in the benefits of using fluoride toothpaste and recommends using it twice daily to prevent tooth decay and other dental issues. Fluoride helps to rebuild weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. It can also help to prevent further decay by making the teeth more resistant to acid from plaque, bacteria, and sugars.
Brushing and Fluoride: The Right Combination
Dr. Jin explains that fluoride in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and even fluoride found in drinking water, are good at preventing tooth decay because it attaches itself to the teeth, strengthening the enamel and acting as a layer of protection from bacteria and plaque build-up. Brushing alone is not the best defense against tooth decay. Fluoridated toothpaste, in combination with good brushing and oral hygiene habits, provides optimal protection against tooth decay.
How Fluoride Helps
For children, a pea-sized drop of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrush is all that’s needed to get the job done, and adults don’t need much more than that. Swallowing fluoride toothpaste is unhealthy, which is why there are warnings on the labels to only use it as a topical treatment and to rinse out your mouth thoroughly afterward. After you rinse, what’s left behind on your teeth is a protective layer of fluoride. This layer of fluoride benefits your teeth in several ways. It can:
- Strengthen Tooth Enamel
- Repair Demineralized Enamel
- Help Prevent Tooth Decay
- Reverse Early Signs Of Tooth Decay
- Break Down Bacteria & Plaque That Causes Cavities
Fluoride Helps Prevent Potential Problems
The benefits of fluoride toothpaste, like the benefits of regular fluoride treatments in Dr. Jin’s office, will go a long way to help protect you against possible tooth decay and costly dental work down the road. When fluoride attaches itself to your teeth after brushing and rinsing, it minimizes the chance of bacteria and plaque being able to damage your teeth—it acts as a protective topical layer. The fluoride found in toothpaste also rebuilds weakened enamel and reduces the acid found in your saliva, which slows down or eliminates the growth of plaque. It can also wear down the plaque that is already formed on the teeth, which reduces the chances of tooth decay.
Schedule Regular Checkups with Dr. Jin in San Ramon
Regular brushing with a good toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will help you keep your teeth in tip-top shape, but does not eliminate the need for regular dental checkups. Dr. Jin recommends regular dental exams so she can catch any potential cavities early on, keep an eye on your risk for gingivitis, make sure your flossing correctly, and check for other common dental issues. If it’s been a while since your last dental exam, call Dr. Jin’s office today to schedule an appointment.