Thanks for stopping by the online home of the Davenport Dental Group. We are full-service dental practice that has all the tools, training, and technology necessary to keep you smiling through every stage of life. Our Laredo, Texas dentist’s office is particularly big on preventive dentistry. We would rather keep bad things from happening in your mouth rather than attempt to treat them later. That’s why, today, we want to talk about fluoride.
Fluoride occurs naturally and can be obtained from various sources, including water, although the amount of fluoride that turns up in water that has not been purposefully infused with it is typically not enough to benefit your oral health.
It is important to find a way to incorporate fluoride into your program of prevention, however, because fluoride forms a protective barrier over your teeth’s enamel. This barrier directly thwarts the attacks of the bacteria that is responsible for causing tooth decay.
Fluoride temporarily stops the bacteria’s ability to create dangerous tooth-harming acid until enough saliva comes along to wash away any remaining sugar and bacteria, leaving your mouth safe and protected.
Fluoride also helps strengthen enamel in children and helps your body to use calcium to repair already damaged enamel in a process called remineralization. Essentially it replaces the minerals tooth decay removes from your teeth. So, you see, fluoride does more than simply protect your teeth, it actually helps to repair them!
Where To Find Fluoride In Laredo, TX
Fluoride is easy to come by in the modern era. Most places in America began adding fluoride to the public water supply in the middle of the last century in an attempt to improve a rather bleak oral health situation among the U.S. population.
This practice has apparently paid off and has led to a 25% decrease in cavities in both children and adults. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest public health success stories ever. That said, if you do not have access to fluoridated water in your community, then there are other alternatives available.
Many brands of toothpaste contain fluoride, as do many good mouthwashes. Be sure to check the active ingredients to make sure fluoride is among them, and always read the labels for age-appropriateness.
Our Dentist’s Office Has Fluoride
The other thing to keep in mind is that most dentist’s offices can also provide you with a fluoride treatment in conjunction with your checkup. At Davenport Dental Group we make fluoride treatments and varnishes easy to get. If you are interested in any of these services for your family, please let our team know. We are always happy to help you prevent dental disease and decay!
Schedule Your Next Preventive Visit!
We hope you have been inspired to make fluoride a part of your life, or at any rate to get serious about preventive dentistry. Making an appointment with Dr. Davenport, Dr. Vallone, or Dr. Matt is easy! Simply contact our team online right now. You can also call our Junction Drive location at 956-242-6745 or our Winfield location at 956-517-2695.