What is meant by fluoridation?

Definition of fluoridate transitive verb. : to add a fluoride to (something, such as drinking water) to reduce tooth decay.

What is a fluoridated dentifrice?

Toothpastes containing fluoride help prevent cavities in both children and adults. To help strengthen weak spots and exposed roots, and to help prevent the early stages of tooth decay, brush regularly with a fluoridated toothpaste. You should always supervise your children when they’re brushing their teeth.

How does fluoride inhibit dental caries?

In the 1980s, it was established that fluoride controls caries mainly through its topical effect. Fluoride present in low, sustained concentrations (sub-ppm range) in the oral fluids during an acidic challenge is able to absorb to the surface of the apatite crystals, inhibiting demineralization.

What is the source of fluoride?

Soil, water, plants, and foods contain trace amounts of fluoride. Most of the fluoride that people consume comes from fluoridated water, foods and beverages prepared with fluoridated water, and toothpaste and other dental products containing fluoride [2,3].

How does fluoride affect your body?

Fluoride not only affects bone and teeth, but it also impacts young children in the development of the brain. Exposure to fluoride before birth could lead to poorer cognitive outcomes in the future. Higher levels of fluoride lead to low scores in IQ tests.

Why are toothpaste fluorinated?

Fluoride protects teeth against decay by helping strengthen developing enamel and slowing acid production of bacteria caused by plaque. Fluoride protects teeth against a process called demineralization. This occurs when bacteria combine with sugars to create acid that erodes the tooth.

Is Sensodyne toothpaste a fluoride?

Yes. All Sensodyne products contain fluoride, which helps to protect against cavities when you brush twice a day, every day.

Does fluoride reduce plaque?

Proper brushing and safe fluoride levels for children can be a help in preventing dental decay later in life. Fluoride reduces the ability of plaque-forming bacteria to produce acid from sugar consumption. When the mouth becomes acidic with increased bacteria activity, fluoride can ionize to form fluorine ions.

Does fluoride cause demineralization?

When incorporated in the teeth, fluoride hardens the enamel, making it resistant to demineralization, which is the leading cause of tooth decay and cavities.

Can you Remineralize a cavity?

But, what isn’t common knowledge is that small dental cavities can be reversed by a process called remineralization. This is when lost minerals in the tooth are replaced by fluoride. Further, there are plenty of ways to reverse tooth decay so that your teeth remain cavity free.

How long does it take to Remineralize a cavity?

The remineralization process usually takes about three to four months to take effect. However, once you begin to better fortify your enamel, you may start to see stronger teeth, experience less sensitivity, and even reveal a whiter smile.