Ormond Beach Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
  • Home
  • Our Practice
  • Who We Serve
  • Case Studies
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Tips For A Brighter Smile

Schedule Appointment
386-672-9440, Mon-Thurs 8am - 5pm, Fri 9am - 1pm
220 S Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

The Connection Between Oral Health And Fluoride

11/12/2018

Comments

The Connection Between Oral Health And Fluoride
There is longstanding debate in dental circles over the exact relationship between oral hygiene, fluoride, and prevention of tooth decay. But one thing is certain, no one should underestimate the importance of fluoride in preventing cavities, and by extension, tooth loss.
Fluoride in toothpaste and in the water supply has been shown to help improve overall dental health in numerous studies. And thus, it's no surprise that fluoride is typically added to these substances by manufacturers and city water supply agencies.

Which Prevents Cavities Better: Fluoride Or Clean Teeth?
Some dental experts say that keeping your teeth clean is not nearly as critical as getting sufficient fluoride when it comes to preventing cavities. Others say good oral hygiene deserves first place, while fluoride serves a secondary, though very important, role.

We won't try to solve this long standing debate among dentists here today,  but we will look a little more into why both are important.

No one has proven yet why exactly fluoride helps protect tooth enamel, but studies show that it does. It has an effect of making teeth better able to resist the effects of plaque, even when it threatens to seep down into the minute crevices in your enamel.

Now, if your teeth are covered in a sticky, acidic film of plaque, not only will that accelerate tooth decay in itself, but it will also prevent the fluoride from fully contacting your tooth surfaces so it can do its job too.

Fluoride can help strengthen a tooth so it can stand up against decay, and some studies even suggest it can reverse the process (in its early stages). Dental hygiene reduces the amount of plaque and bacteria that get and stay on your teeth. A clean tooth reduces the threat present, while a sound tooth deals better with the threats that do contact it.  Like many good things, too much fluoride can cause side effects such as mottling or discoloration of the teeth. It is prudent to evaluate how much fluoride you may be receiving in tap or bottled water, added to juices and foods, or as supplemental tablets.

Choosing Your Toothpaste Wisely
No oral hygiene tools are as basic as toothbrush and toothpaste. But not all toothpastes are the same. The American Dental Association has long recommended using a fluoride containing toothpaste to brush twice daily, at all ages and stages of life. This has to be done in conjunction with proper brushing technique, flossing, and a healthy diet for best results.

There are some consumers who have concluded that fluoride is a negative additive and who seek out toothpastes that don't contain any (plus drinking water devoid of fluoride.) Even the companies that manufacture such toothpaste, however, don't make claims that the paste will help prevent tooth decay on the box.

It's true that it's not a good idea to swallow your toothpaste, but it certainly isn't toxic like poison either, like some claim. On the teeth, fluoride has many well established benefits, so most people would do well to use a fluoride-containing toothpaste.

Another objection to fluoride is the assertion that tooth decay is not caused by a fluoride deficiency. That's true, of course, but it's also true that fluoride strengthens your teeth and helps prevent cavities!

Getting regular dental check ups and oral cleanings also needs to be added to at home care, with or without fluoride. But on the whole, evidence suggests that a complete dental care plan with fluoride is superior.

To learn more about maintaining optimal oral health, or to set up an appointment in or around Ormond Beach, FL, contact periodontist Dr. Raymond A. Kenzik today!

Start smiling brighter, laughing harder, and being more confident.

Dr. Beauchamp's periodontics and implant dentistry practice is conveniently located on Nova Road in Ormond Beach, Florida. We help seniors, adults, and teenagers smile with confidence.
Schedule Appointment

Categories

All
Bone Grafts
Botox
Cavities
Crown Lengthening
Dental Hygiene
Dental Implants
Dentures
Flossing
Gum Disease
Laser Periodontal Treatment
Oral Cancer
Oral Health
Periodontics
PST Grafts
Sedation Dentistry
Teeth Grinding
Teeth In A Day
Tooth Extraction
Tooth Sensitivity

Archives

September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015

Our Services Include:

  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Surgical Extractions
  • Simple Extractions
  • Dental Implants
  • Teeth In One Day
  • Bone Grafts
  • Biological Accelerators
  • Ridge Preservation
  • Sinus Augmentation
  • Soft Tissue Grafts
  • Pinhole Surgical Graft Technique
  • Periodontal Treatment
  • Laser Periodontal Treatment
  • Crown Lengthening
  • Botox Procedures
© Ormond Beach Periodontics and Implant Dentistry |  Privacy Policy  |  Website Design by New York Ave.

$99 Special


New Patient Exams


Includes a complete and personal Exam, Digital X-Rays, and CT Scan.
($400+ total value) New patients only.
Click To Claim Offer
⨉