There are many decisions to be made when considering how best to take care of your mouth such as what type of brush to use and which, of the many, tooth pastes. One of the decisions that people have wrestled with over the years concerns fluoride and it is not without controversy. Read on for more information.
Fluoride is chemical which helps to strengthen your teeth’s enamel. Enamel is a vital part of the protective army in your mouth and guards your teeth against the formation of cavities. If enamel breaks down or is weakened them you are more likely to suffer from dental decay and require fillings in order for your teeth to maintain healthy functionality.
Fluoride is found in many tooth pastes and, perhaps most controversially, in tap water in most areas of the United Kingdom. Some people believed, and still do, that the government ought not to have started adding fluoride to the national water supply. They cite cases where an over exposure to the substance has had detrimental effects of peoples’ health.
In fact this is very rare. You need to be exposed to an awful lot of fluoride for it to harm you in any way. Most dentists will recommend that, as well as using tooth paste that has been enhanced with fluoride, patients drink tap water to top up the amount of fluoride they are consuming. Those who only drink bottled water might not be taking on enough fluoride. Fluoride supplements are available too for those who live in areas where there is a lower fluoride contant in their tap water.
If you require any further information about fluoride, don’t hesitate to arrange a meeting with your Leeds dentist at which you can ask for all the facts.