Fluoride is valued for its cavity-warrior qualities. But new research suggests that fluoride exposure also helps strengthen developing teeth.
Fluoride exposure is important from 6 months onwards until at least 16 years, the period during which primary teeth and permanent teeth are growing. Because fluoride helps restore minerals that are constantly lost from teeth on a regular basis, adults too can benefit from fluoride.
Who else needs fluoride? Read the FreeDentistFinder.com article, Are You Getting Enough Fluoride? to find out.
Sources of fluoride
Fluoride is naturally found in food and water. Fruits and their juices, vegetables and vegetable products, cereals, pasta and rice contain natural fluoride.
Check out Are You Getting Enough Fluoride? for a list of fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in fluoride.
Around six in ten Americans live in communities that fluoridate their water supplies.According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some bottled water contain fluoride while others do not, as it depends on the source of water.
We know fluoride can be directly applied to teeth by way of toothpastes and mouth rinses. Fluoride can also be taken as a liquid, tablet or chewable tablet, usually once a day. You can find a comprehensive list of fluoride product brands from the MedlinePlus website of the National Library of Medicine. Some fluoride products require a prescription from your doctor or dentist.
Fluoride is not a magic cure. While it strengthens teeth and prevents cavities, it is not a substitute for daily brushing, flossing and cleaning.
Visit FreeDentistFinder.com 24/7 to find a dentist by zip code. You can also call 800-669-4869 to quickly get in touch with a local dentist.
