What Are the Benefits of Fluoride?  

The 2021 Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges report states that the use of products containing fluoride is an important aspect of dental care to prevent the development of cavities. Today, fluoride is readily available in toothpastes, rinses, as a supplement in the public water supply and as a varnish applied to the teeth following dental cleanings at Evanko Dental Group of Medina.

What is Fluoride?

Through direct contact with the teeth and gingival tissue (aka gums), fluoride supplementation prevents tooth decay in people of every age group. Fluoride protects the teeth that have already emerged, as well as the teeth that are still developing beneath the gingival tissue. The teeth receiving fluoride during this early stage of development become stronger, which reduces the likelihood of future dental caries. At Evanko Dental Group of Medina, pediatric dentist Dr. Jeff Evanko and his team prescribe and recommend a variety of products that contain fluoride.

Fluoride Strengthens the Teeth

Fluoride forms fluorapatite, which is a building block that strengthens the teeth through mineralization. The mineralization process involves chemical hardening, which prevents the breakdown of the minerals in the teeth. In addition, strengthening the teeth helps protect them from the damage that certain foods and drinks can cause (e.g., citrus fruits and soda).

Fluoride Reduces the pH Level in the Mouth

Fluoride inhibits the growth of three types of bacteria that reside in the mouth and contribute to the development of cavities. These bacteria are Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Fluoride makes the environment in the mouth more acidic. It accomplishes this by lowering the pH level. Acidic environments are not hospitable to bacteria.

As an experienced pediatric dentist in Medina, Ohio, Dr. Jeff Evanko enjoys teaching children how to properly care for their teeth. The entire team of dental professionals at Evanko Dental Group of Medina are passionate about helping patients strengthen their teeth and keep their mouths healthy to reduce the likelihood of future dental problems.

Contact Us for a Dental Cleaning and Fluoride Treatment

If you are in the Medina, OH, area, and would like to schedule your child for a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment, contact the Evanko Dental Group of Medina today.

Please use our online form to request an appointment, or call us at 330-725-6182 to schedule an appointment. The Evanko Dental Group of Medina is located at 3637 Medina Road, #200 in Medina, Ohio.