Posted: April 15, 2023
A bright and radiant smile is a goal for almost everyone. However, a white smile does not always mean a healthy mouth and teeth. The numerous whitening and dental treatments available over the counter and in dental offices make achieving a whiter smile easier.
Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash is essential to maintaining good overall oral health. By adding fluoride to one of these or as a separate rinse during your oral hygiene routine, you can help to ensure even healthier teeth and help prevent cavities from forming.
Fluoride works by helping to repair and restore layers of tooth enamel damaged by acids from food and drinks. The process, called remineralization, does not guarantee cavities will not appear. However, it is essential to prevent further damage to tooth enamel and cause tooth decay and other oral health issues.
There are many ways to add fluoride to your oral health routine. While fluoride is safe to use, there are specific tips to follow to get the most benefit from adding fluoride to your routine.
One of the easiest ways is to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Along with stain removal and breath freshening, these toothpastes will help get fluoride in many hard-to-reach places in your mouth.
One of the best ways to make sure fluoride reaches as much of your teeth' surface as possible is with a fluoride rinse. Although this should not necessarily replace an antiseptic mouthwash, a fluoride rinse, when done at the end of your oral care routine, provides the greatest benefit from fluoride.
In all cases, allowing fluoride ample time to reach and adhere to the damaged enamel in your mouth or continue strengthening the teeth is best. Using fluoride before bed or when you first wake up, give it the recommended 30 minutes to work before rinsing, eating, or drinking.
To learn more about fluoride use or other ways to maintain a healthy smile, call Forestream Dental in Depew, NY, at 716-656-8686, or visit www.forestreamdental.com to schedule an oral exam today.
