Strong, healthy teeth promote healthy living and beautiful smiles. We take the oral health of our patients seriously, and fee they deserve the best treatment available, and honest feedback. Included in dental cleanings and routine checkups is fluoride. It’s used in order to add a layer of protection to teeth as a result of natural demineralization from acidic foods and teeth brushing. Along with fluoride at the dentist, we encourage the use of fluoride at home through drinking water, toothpastes, and mouth rinses. Here are the benefits:
Fluoride Prevents Tooth Decay
According to a recent study published by the American Chemistry Society, “fluoride reduces the ability of decay-causing bacteria to stick, so that also on teeth, it is easier to wash away the bacteria by saliva, brushing and other activity.” Children’s oral health is most at risk as new teeth come in. Tap water, or drinking water contains a natural level of fluoride, and an additional amount of fluoride is sometimes added. You should check with us at six months to see if your water contains enough fluoride and, if not, we’ll write you a prescription.
An independent panel of 15 experts specialized in health sciences concluded that fluoridation (fluoride added to water) reduces tooth decay by 29 percent.
Fluoride Protects Everyone From Cavities
Everyone is susceptible to cavities. From ages six months to the elderly, the addition of fluoride to drinking water, mouth rinses, and toothpastes is proven to be beneficial. According to the American Dental Association, “fluoride in community water systems prevents at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste.” Most have access to fluoride toothpaste, something we recommend your children use.
Mountain View Pediatric believes you should have access to the doctors in order to ask them any questions regarding treatments, teeth cleanings, and products we use. Please contact us here with any questions, or to schedule an appointment with use today!