A lot of childhood health tips don’t just disappear when we turn 18 and head-on into adulthood. For instance, exercising for 30 minutes per day at least 3 times a week is still recommended for adults just as it was when we were doing gym laps in grade school. A common question we get asked in our dental practice is, “Is fluoride still important as an adult?” We always answer this with a resounding, “YES!” But, what is fluoride and why do we recommend it?
Nature’s Preventive Medicine
Perhaps the best thing about fluoride is that it is naturally occurring. A mineral known as ‘fluorine’, fluoride is typically found in phosphorite rock and ends up in the water we drink each and every day. While some cities have an abundance of this mineral, others don’t have near enough. This incredible substance helps protect your enamel from wearing away. As children, dentists will often recommend fluoride toothpaste to help protect baby teeth as well as adult teeth as they begin growing. This toothpaste helps increase the protection of the teeth and decreases the likelihood of cavities developing.
One Mineral Fits All
As we grow into adulthood and start aging, our teeth continue to change and become more vulnerable. Making sure your toothpaste includes fluoride will give your adult teeth the added protection they need as you age. The best part is that you are already getting some fluoride in your water. The question is how much are you getting? A dentist should be able to tell you how much fluoride is in your water in your area, and if they can’t, they will be able to provide you with the resources to find the answer. If you have an excess of this mineral in your water, it may be safe to use toothpaste without it.
Too Much Fluoride
There really is no reason for avoiding fluoride unless you have an excess of the mineral in your body. Some city waters are flush with fluoride which can cause your teeth to become discolored. If you are concerned about your enamel or the amount of fluoride in your water, please schedule an appointment with our excellent dental team at Premier Dental Center San Antonio! Our team loves to educate patients and give them the healthy smile they’ve always wanted. We look forward to caring for your teeth!