Do you get enough fluoride from our toothpaste? Â This is a tricky question…it depends on a number of factors, such as your age, diet, and even exposure to fluoride. Â Some toothpaste brands have more fluoride than others. Â Fluoride helps protect our enamel, and you may not be getting enough. Â Crest Pro-Health has almost double the amount of fluoride at .454% compared to Crest Nature’s Expression at .243%. Â This doesn’t necessarily affect all of us equally – children and young adults may benefit from more fluoride than mature adults do.
By protecting and strengthening your enamel, fluoride prevents cavities and can reverse a new, small cavity so that a filling isn’t needed at all by remineralizing the a soft spot in your tooth. Â If you tend to be prone to cavities, then consider getting more fluoride.
Look for a toothpaste with a higher percentage, or purchase a ‘prescription strength’ fluoride toothpaste from our office for about $15. Â For added protection try a topical application, such as a mouth rinse or gel. Â A mouth rinse with fluoride added to your daily brushing routine definitely adds protection. Â Over the counter fluoride rinses are available from brands such as Crest and Act, but a greater percentage is available in the ‘prescription strength’ rinse from our office for about $15. Â At your next dental cleaning, our dental hygienists can offer a fluoride gel treatment that is the highest level available for just $18.
Tap water with fluoride helps as well. Â If you prefer bottled water, consider having Ozarka delivered to your home – they offer a fluoride fortified bottled water.
One last note, some studies indicate fluoride can have adverse affects on the body. Â Be thorough in your research before writing off fluoride – you’ll likely find the benefits far outweigh the threats.
