Dentist from London Explains All You Need to Know about Fluoride
Fluoride is an anion, produced when fluorine is reduced, either as an ion or bonded to another element. With respect to dental care, fluoride is an important feature of oral health. It normally exists in the tooth enamel in high concentrations, but these concentrations get depleted over time. In the outer layer of the tooth enamel, fluoride protects the teeth and lessens the risk discolouration and cavities.
In order to replenish fluoride concentrations in the oral cavity, either fluoridated fluids can be drunk, or rinses, treatments and toothpastes that contain fluoride can be used as part of the dental routine. As water can be fluoridated, many communities now consume fluoride through their drinking water alone. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of cavities in many regions of the country as people are protecting themselves without even realising it.
However, this regular consumption of fluoride is not quite enough to keep bacteria away. It is also necessary to shock the teeth twice a year with larger amounts of fluoride, this shock comes in the form of topical fluoride treatments. The treatment comes in a variety of different flavours and can be applied quickly and easily by your local London dentist.
Although regular, small doses of fluoride are recommended as beneficial for your oral health, an excessive exposure to the substance can cause a condition known as ‘fluorosis’. This is a condition that only affects children as it is only prevalent when the teeth are still developing. It results in yellow or brown blemishes on the teeth that give an unpleasant appearance and unfortunately do not fade over time.
