Is Fluoride Toothpaste Necessary for Adults?

Fluoride, often touted as nature’s cavity fighter offers numerous benefits to children and adults alike, especially those at a higher risk of developing tooth decay. At High Street Dentistry, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. If you’re not quite sure which toothpaste is right for you, talk to one of our team members. We are happy to make recommendations based on your unique needs.

Fluoride – An Overview

Fluoride is a mineral commonly added to toothpaste and other dental products to lower the risk of tooth decay. It is naturally found in some foods and freshwater sources, such as rivers and lakes. Because of its incredible cavity-fighting benefits, most communities offer fluoridated drinking water as a public health measure.

What Are the Benefits of Fluoride?

Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel, lowering the risk of tooth decay and cavities. It works by making the tooth surfaces more resistant to attacks from sugars and bacteria in the mouth. It also helps reverse the early stages of tooth decay, even before any damage is visible.

Aside from strengthening and remineralizing tooth enamel, fluoride helps prevent harmful bacteria from building up around the gums. The powerful mineral also disrupts dental plaque, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

How About Fluoride-Free Toothpaste?

Just like fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride-free toothpaste can help remove plaque and food particles from the mouth, leaving your smile feeling clean and fresh. There are alternative ingredients, such as xylitol, calcium phosphates, and essential oils, that combat harmful oral bacteria.

Even though fluoride-free products provide some benefits, they do not offer fluoride’s powerful effects on a person’s long-term dental health. That is why we highly recommend using toothpaste containing fluoride to brush your teeth unless advised otherwise by your dentist.

How Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your brushing time:

• Choose an American Dental Association (ADA)-approved, soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush.
• Select toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
• Brush thoroughly but gently for at least two minutes, no less than twice daily.
• Brush in a circular, up-and-down pattern, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line.
• Brush your gum line and your tongue. 
• Store your toothbrush in an open container to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
• Discard your toothbrush about every three months or sooner if the bristles show signs of wear or damage.

Are There Other Options for a Fluoride Boost?

High Street Dentistry is pleased to offer fluoride treatments to give your tooth enamel additional cavity-fighting support. When you visit us for your routine dental exams and cleanings, we will evaluate your unique needs and determine whether you would benefit from a fluoride treatment.

Quality Preventive Dentistry Services Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

Contact High Street Dentistry to learn more about maintaining a clean and healthy smile. We encourage you to brush and floss your teeth regularly and keep up with your routine dental exams and cleanings. Together, we will lower your risk of dental problems and ensure you enjoy long-term healthy, beautiful smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!