The Health Benefits of Fluoride Toothpaste

In the early 1930s researchers and medical professionals concerned with rising rates of fluorosis began investigating the role of fluoride in one's dental health. After discovering that drinking fluoridated water helped prevent the development of fluorosis, dentists began using fluoride in their dental treatments and most notably in toothpaste. In addition to mitigating fluorosis, fluoridated toothpaste provides numerous health benefits to users.

Preventing Dental Decay

• Dental decay is one of the most prevalent oral hygiene issues facing individuals within the U.S. and abroad. The presence of fluoride within toothpaste prevents tooth decay by slowing down the natural loss of vital minerals from tooth enamel. Fluoride also increases saliva in the mouth and decreases the amount of bacteria within the mouth, both of which prevent plaque and weakening acids from building up on the teeth. In addition to preventing decay, fluoride within toothpaste helps add minerals to the teeth and gums which are lost over time.

Fights Cavities

• Fluoridated toothpaste is ideal for younger children because it actively fights the formation of cavities. The acid within the food and beverages you consume slowly erodes the enamel and root structure of your teeth. As the enamel and root structure is compromised, the tooth becomes vulnerable to cavities. Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste helps add minerals back to the tooth and stops the process of decay which eventually leads to cavities. While the tooth may remain discolored from the initial formation of the cavity, the tooth is no longer actively eroding and instead is in a state dentists call ebronated.

Kills Germs

• Brushing with toothpaste which contains fluoride helps kill germs that are commonly found in plaque. The presence of fluoride prevents the sugars that we eat from turning into acid, which degrades the teeth. Preventing germs via fluoride is important because it allows for the time between brushing to be extended. The germ fighting ability of fluoridated toothpaste helps give your mouth a clean feeling and fresher breath for a longer period of time.

Aids in Tooth Growth

• Fluoride is also beneficial for children as it aids in the growth of teeth. As adult teeth begin to come in, the large nerve endings are exposed and vulnerable. These nerves create the internal structure of your teeth as you age. The use of fluoridated toothpaste promotes the growth of the structures surrounding the nerve endings, ultimately creating stronger adult teeth. The formation of strong teeth in early adulthood helps prevent the development of temperature sensitivities, cavities and misalignment, which often requires braces or a retainer to correct.