Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and in water. Some common natural sources of fluoride include apples, avocados, strawberries, peaches, lettuce, and radishes. Many cities and municipalities add fluoride to their water in order to boost the amount of fluoride people obtain, specifically for the purpose of protecting your teeth.
Because it helps to strengthen enamel, getting adequate fluoride is important to your oral health. Since the implementation of fluoride additives in water, the instances of decay have gone down across the country. While most adults still have some amount of decay, the risk of losing teeth to decay in spite of proper care is now minimized.
In some cases, fluoride treatments can provide additional benefits to protect your teeth. For example, if you are prone to getting decay because of a genetic or medical condition, fluoride can provide additional protection. When you experience tooth sensitivity, having regular fluoride treatments can minimize the level of sensitivity you feel.
If you have questions about fluoride or the necessity of having fluoride treatments for you or your children, please feel free to ask Dr. Sarira Martin, DDS, PC. She can share information and resources with you that will help you make the best decision regarding your dental health.