No doubt that you’ve heard about “fake news” a lot recently. Much of that comes from the internet where people can post and share incorrect information very easily. Are you even sure about the best way to lose weight or get an education anymore?
For dentistry, one of the worst cases of this is saying fluoride is not good for you. This meme started a long time ago, but in the internet age, it’s gotten fresh legs. There are entire websites devoted to posting fake news about this mineral.
That’s why you need to call Dr. LoCascio today at 248-329-3552 and make a new appointment for a dental cleaning and exam. Thanks to his advanced training and continuing education, he knows the truth about why fluoride is safe and even good for your smile.
Here’s Why It’s Safe
Why do some people think fluoride is unhealthy or worse? For many, it’s just a case of not being educated about it. (Just be wary of any website blaming fluoride and then trying to sell you something.)
For example, there are many different kinds of fluoride. Some versions are like chlorine; they actually are dangerous. But did you know chlorine is in table salt? When it combines with sodium, it becomes safe and even healthy in the right amounts. The same is true for fluoride. The version used in treatments, toothpaste, and tap water is perfectly safe.
People are generally worried about chemicals in their diet, and for good reason. However, fluoride is not some dangerous, manufactured chemical. It’s a natural mineral! In fact, that’s how we first learned about the healing power of fluoride.
This mineral finds its way into wells and drinking water naturally. Scientists eventually realized that people who drink water with fluoride in it had much healthier teeth than those whose water did not. After years of research, it was confirmed: fluoride makes your teeth stronger.
Then there’s the amount used. Too much of anything (again, like table salt) can be unhealthy. But the amount used in toothpaste or treatments is high enough to help improve your dental health but still safe and healthy.
What Fluoride Does
This mineral helps your dental health in two ways: slowing erosion and remineralization. Both work because your enamel is porous.
- Bacteria that live on your teeth secrete an acid that erodes your enamel. In fact, that’s how you get cavities. Fluoride gets into the enamel and slows down that erosion, keeping your teeth healthier for longer.
- As fluoride soaks into your teeth (either through toothpaste, treatments, or drinking water with fluoride in it), it forms new enamel that more resistant to acid. This is called remineralization, and while it won’t magically cure a cavity, it does make your teeth stronger. It even repairs microscopic amounts of erosion.
That’s why fluoride treatments are often part of a dental cleaning. Call Highland Advanced Dental Care today at 248-329-3552 or use our online form to make your next appointment.