Our general dentist recommends brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride to give your teeth the highest level of protection possible against tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that helps to re-mineralize and strengthen teeth enamel.
Fluoride can be found in natural bodies of water, as well as many fruits and vegetables like grapes and potatoes. Public water supply systems are fluoridated in most developed countries, making tap water a great source of the essential mineral.
Fluoride is also added to many toothpaste brands to give your teeth an additional layer of protection. Our general dentist recommends brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride to get the most out of your brushing sessions.
Fluoride is essential for children and adults alike. It helps to build the enamel of a child’s developing teeth before it even breaks through the gums. For adults, it helps to rebuild damaged enamel, and it can reverse the early stages of tooth decay.
The fluoride in the foods and beverages a person eats eventually makes its way into saliva. This provides steady protection for the person’s teeth as their saliva bathes their teeth with the fluoride in it.
Our general dentist recommends brushing at least two times daily to prevent acids created by oral bacteria from having enough time to eat away at teeth surfaces. A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended since it is less likely to damage enamel or irritate gum tissues.
One of the best times to brush is right before bed since it leaves teeth coated with fluoride, protecting them from decay during sleep. Our dentist recommends not rinsing your mouth after brushing to get the most out of the fluoride in the toothpaste. Simply spit out the toothpaste used and wipe your mouth if needed. Flossing right before or after brushing allows the fluoride in the toothpaste to get into interdental spaces as well, protecting them.
A mouthwash that contains fluoride can also help to protect teeth from decay. It also helps to clean areas missed by brushing and flossing.
Tap water is an excellent source of fluoride, so try drinking as much as you can. Tap water helps to get fluoride into your bloodstream, as it washes your teeth and coats them with small amounts of fluoride.
Fluoride is great for teeth in small quantities, but it can be harmful to a person’s health in large quantities. This is why many toothpaste labels have warning labels telling the user not to swallow the product. Dental hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash contain only small amounts of fluoride so the user only gets a small amount of fluoride when using such products.
A toothpaste that contains fluoride is essential for good oral hygiene. It gives your teeth the minerals they need to remain strong and healthy. Call or visit our San Francisco clinic to learn more oral hygiene tips.
Request an appointment here: https://smilesonbalboa.com or call Smiles On Balboa at (415) 413-2237 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in San Francisco, CA.
A general dentist performs most of the treatments commonly used in dentistry. These oral professionals spend most of their time performing preventative treatments, like tooth cleanings, but they also perform more complex treatments, like root canals. A general dentist also serves as an educator, teaching patients how to properly take care of their teeth and…
Getting a dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. However, it can be difficult to know how often to get one done. Most general dentists recommend dental cleanings twice a year, but there are certain signs to be aware of that can indicate a need for them more frequently. Outlined below are…
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums does more than ensure a strong and beautiful smile. Proper routine dental care also helps lower the risks of developing many serious diseases, including certain cancers, heart problems, and diabetes. However, patients who struggle with dental anxiety may fail to stick with a regular cleaning and checkup schedule. As a…
Many dental patients have come to expect X-rays as a part of routine dental care. Once or twice a year, a patient may be asked to undergo this simple procedure that provides pictures of the teeth above and below the gum line. Healthy patients rarely have to think beyond holding still for a moment so that…
Curious about when tooth extractions are needed? Read on to learn more. Tooth extraction is when the tooth is removed completely from its socket. Tooth extraction is hardly a procedure anyone looks forward to, but the majority of the procedures are fast and painless. So do not be alarmed if your dentist starts talking about…
Like the first visit with a family or general dentist, the first visit with a cosmetic dentist is more of a get-to-know-you session. Cosmetic dentistry uses advanced and sometimes complex procedures to transform patients’ smiles. Because such procedures help to restore function and improve the teeth's overall appearance, there is a lot at stake for…