Fluoride to Strengthen Your Tooth Enamel

If you could look at your tooth enamel and see it on a microscopic level, you would find that it is composed of densely packed mineral crystals. When you consume acidic foods and drinks, it can erode some of these microscopic crystals. This is compounded by the erosive effects of the bacteria in your mouth.

Unless it is countered in some way, this process known as demineralization, can weaken tooth enamel increasing your chances of developing cavities and tooth sensitivity issues.

Exposing your teeth to fluoride helps to refortify these microscopic minerals in a process is known as remineralization. This effectively helps to prevent sensitivity and tooth decay.

Dr. Gilbert Fernandez might recommend a basic fluoride treatment and daily fluoride supplements, if you’ve had significant issues with tooth sensitivity and decay, linked to enamel erosion.

Fluoride supplements come in several different forms including sublingual tabs, gels, mouth rinse or a concentrated fluoride toothpaste.

Ingested fluoride supplements should be taken at the prescribed time. In the case of concentrated fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse, you should brush them onto your teeth or rinse your mouth right before going to bed.

The goal is to apply them to your teeth at a time when you can avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the fluoride to deeply penetrate the microscopic pores in your tooth enamel.

If you have questions about fluoride supplements, you should call Dr. Gilbert Fernandez at 505-898-8063 to schedule an appointment.