Minerals such as fluoride and calcium are needed to maintain your tooth enamel, which covers the outer layer of your teeth and is what keeps your teeth from decaying. Unfortunately, a process called “demineralization” occurs when mouth bacteria release acids that attack and break down your tooth enamel.
In order to combat this, it is important for “remineralization” to occur. This happens when you consume food and drinks that contain minerals such as calcium and fluoride, This helps enrich your saliva allowing it to strengthen the tooth enamel so that it can protect your teeth against bacteria.
How can you make sure that your tooth enamel stays strong? Drinking water generally has fluoride already added into it, but it’s still very important to use a toothpaste and mouthwash that has an adequate amount of fluoride. Dentists can also provide fluoride treatments using a gel or foam. For those very prone to new cavities, twice daily use of a prescription strength Fluoride toothpaste can be very helpful.
While there is some controversy regarding Fluoride, just like the multivitamins that many people take, the right amount provides great benefits.
