Why Fluoride is a Dental Health Hero

Fluoride is a naturally occurring ion of the common element fluorine. You may know that it can help to protect tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Consult a practitioner of general dentistry near Peoria for advice on how to incorporate fluoride into your dental hygiene routine to protect tooth enamel. Meanwhile, watch this video to find out more about how fluoride can help protect your teeth and prevent tooth pain.

The video explains that the fluoride compounds found in toothpaste can strengthen teeth. The presenter says that tooth enamel is made of a substance called hydroxyapatite, which contains the minerals calcium and phosphorus. When people eat, oral bacteria break down foods, creating acidic byproducts which can deplete enamel of these vital minerals. Saliva bathes the teeth in mineral-rich fluid in a process called remineralization. Fluoride is able to enter the teeth through the saliva. It combines with substances in the enamel to form fluorapatite, a strong, resistant compound, which offers protection against cavities and decay.