Is Fluoride Good For Whitening Teeth? 

Curious about Fluoride and Teeth Whiteness in Fairfield, CT?

Fluoride is one of the most researched nutrients, with over 50 years of peer-reviewed scientific studies confirming its various dental health benefits. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by remineralizing and strengthening your teeth. This is why professional treatments often use fluoride after teeth whitening to reduce sensitivity and protect enamel.

Fluoride is a component of saliva that when combined with calcium and phosphate forms tooth enamel. It is often referred to as a cavity-fighting mineral. Water fluoridation has been around since the 1940s. Fluoridation is done because in some areas the water contains lower levels than are ideal for our oral health. In many places fluoridation is unnecessary because the water already contains optimal levels. 

Because fluoride naturally supports your teeth it is an important part of maintaining teeth whiteness after whitening them. Many people also experience increased sensitivity after having their teeth whitened which fluoride diminishes. Any teeth whitening either professional or at home is best supported by maintaining proper oral hygiene, which includes supporting enamel with fluoride.

Why Do You Need Fluoride? 

Fluoride is absorbed by the teeth and protects against tooth decay. Your teeth are constantly under attack by acids and bacteria. If these are left unchecked, these acids and bacteria will break down your teeth over time by causing tooth decay in the form of cavities. Cavities usually begin as microscopic damage to your tooth, but fluoride acts as concrete poured into a crack, protecting against such damage and even reversing early tooth decay.

How Do You Receive Fluoride? 

Unfortunately, the amount of fluoride obtained through food is not sufficient to protect your teeth. Throughout both childhood and your adult years, your dentist will apply fluoride treatments at appropriate intervals. These fluoride treatments are put directly on your teeth and are usually in the form of a rinse, gel, or foam. You leave the fluoride in your mouth for a minute or so before either spitting it out or having it rinsed away. This is typically the part in your dentist visit where your dentist asks you the type of flavor you want!

Fluoride and Teeth Staining

Too much fluoride can cause a condition known as fluorosis. This typically occurs when too much fluoride has been ingested by children and can cause discolorations and long-term stains. Professional Teeth whitening for fluoride stains and fluorosis is actually a very effective solution.

Hearing about how fluoride can cause teeth stains might make you anxious, particularly if you are already concerned about the whiteness of your teeth. If that’s the case it is important to remember that fluoride occurs naturally and only overexposure, particularly at a young age, poses real risks. Fluoride-free toothpaste and teeth whitening toothpaste without fluoride isn’t advisable. This is because your teeth won’t be remineralized which actually increases the chances of staining.

Fluoride is an incredibly important part of your oral health routine. You should go to your regular dentist every six months for a checkup, where you should get a fluoride treatment. This will help prevent decay and maintain teeth whiteness. If you are interested in teeth whitening in Fairfield, CT because of fluoride stains or another reason, give us a call today.