by 1 Cylivers
Everyone knows that brushing and flossing one’s teeth is very important to maintain good oral hygiene and to keep one’s teeth in the best shape possible. However, the knowledge about the importance and role of fluorides in toothpastes is something that not all are familiar with.
Fluoride is the ionic form of a chemical element called fluorine. It is an important element that in controlled doses helps in preventing cavities and tooth decay. Fluorides are an important ingredient of not only toothpastes but also of drinking water and the salt we consume.
Scientific research and daily use has shown that fluorides bind with the tooth enamel, which is the hard white portion of the tooth, and helps form a protective layer that prevents bacteria from creating cavities. This protective layer called the Calcium Flourapatite also helps in protecting the teeth from the acids that are formed from the breakdown of foods and liquids that we consume.
Fluorides in toothpastes are basically of two types - calcium fluoride, and sodium monofluorophosphate. Dentists strongly recommend that one should only use toothpastes that contain either one of these compounds.
Fluorides are also added in the salt we consume and the water we drink. After research conclusively proved the benefits of Fluorides, most countries introduced it in small quantities to help maintain good oral hygiene amongst the population. Fluorides are also found in tea, fish, green vegetables and fruits.
However, on the down side, excess fluorine can cause a condition called Dental Fluorosis that requires dental treatment, but this condition is only found in certain areas where the fluoride levels in the natural water source are too high.
So, if a good set of pearly white teeth is one’s priority then fluoridated toothpastes are your best bet.
