Tooth decay begins with the process demineralization in the mouth. During this process, the acids in saliva that help digest food also break down the phosphorus and calcium that make up teeth. Demineralization occurs every time food or a highly acidic drink is consumed. To keep demineralization from wrecking teeth, a dentist in Sunnyvale can tell their patient about the benefits of having fluoride in their body.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element formed from the earth’s crust that helps preserve teeth during the process of demineralization. It helps build the enamel on baby teeth and adult teeth that haven’t grown in completely yet, and it also builds the enamel on emerged teeth. The enamel gets built up every time the mouth goes through the process of remineralization, where the minerals in teeth have a chance to build up protective layers against those acidic drinks and food remnants. Fluoride helps restore the phosphorus and calcium that were rotted away while eating, and it also helps these new layers of calcium and phosphorus be stronger.
The benefits of fluoride were discovered during the 1930’s when fluoride was added to nation’s water supply. Studies have shown that Americans who have fluoride in their diet have 66% less cavities than those who don’t. Simply put, those who have fluoride in the their diet will have less tooth decay and less dental cavities in the mouth.
One way that a Sunnyvale dentist can help their patients is by prescribing a fluoride pill that will give the human body the fluoride it needs to maintain itself. This can be done for patients who don’t drink enough water, and for those who don’t have fluoride added to their water. It is also ideal for those who get their water from wells instead of the city. By making fluoride a part of the day, it will help keep teeth healthy and stronger for longer.
