Why Fluoride is the Secret Weapon for Stronger Teeth

Fluoride is an essential mineral that keeps teeth healthy and strong. Many kinds of toothpaste contain fluoride for this very reason. At Park Dentistry for Kids, we recommend brushing your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste to protect your teeth and help them grow stronger. We are a Houston pediatric dentist in The Heights, TX, offering professional, reliable, and quality dental services to children. 

Why You Get Cavities 

The enamel is the hardest substance in the body that shields your teeth's internal tissues. It is stronger than bones. However, bacteria in your teeth weaken it when they feed on leftover food particles in your mouth. 

The by-product of bacterias' action on your teeth is a corrosive acid that erodes the enamel. At Houston pediatric dentist in The Heights, TX, we observe three stages of enamel destruction or tooth decay. 

Plaque Formation 

Without proper oral care and consuming sugary snacks and foods, bacteria act on the food particles left in your oral cavity, forming plaque after a period. Plaque is a sticky substance that hardens over time under or above your gums and becomes tartar. 

Plaque Buildup 

Tartar forms a barrier on your teeth, trapping the acids and bacteria and exposing them to your teeth. The bacteria and acid strip your enamel of essential minerals, making it weak. We recommend coming to our Houston pediatric dentist in The Heights, TX, for a professional cleanup at this point because tartar is impenetrable. 

Mineral erosion is the first stage of tooth decay. It creates tiny holes which permit the bacteria and acid to get into the deeper layers of the teeth. 

The next layer after the enamel, dentin, is soft and less resistant to bacteria and acid. It also has tiny channels that link to your nerves. The bacteria and acid's action increases your teeth's sensitivity to heat, cold, pain, and sugar. 

The Ultimate Destruction 

The bacteria and acid continue their destructive pattern into the teeth's soft tissues containing nerves and blood vessels. Here they increase irritation through swelling and tissue damage. The pressure and hurt induce significant pain and discomfort. The damage can extend to the teeth's root and jawbone. 

How Does Fluoride Keep Teeth Strong and Healthy? 

Fluoride prevents tooth decay by strengthening the enamel, the white, visible part of the teeth. It achieves this through, 

Mineral Buildup Acceleration 

Fluoride promotes mineral deposition into the enamel, slowing the decay rate. The action also reduces wear and tear on the enamel. Without cracks and holes, bacteria cannot invade the inner layers of your teeth. 

Reversing The First Stages of Decay 

Cavities begin to form when the enamel weakens from mineral erosion. Fluoride fills up the holes created by bacteria and acids, undoing the initial damage. 

Enhances Your Teeth's Resistance Against Bacteria and Acids 

The continuous mineral deposition, boosted by fluoride, makes it challenging for bacteria and acids to penetrate the deeper teeth layers. 

Strengthening the Enamel Through Mineral Deposition 

You also get strong and healthy teeth by including fluoride-based oral cleaners in your regular oral hygiene. 

Have a Cavity? Visit Park Dentistry for Kids 

We have certified pediatric dentists onboard to tackle cavity-related conditions for your young one's teeth. Call us today at (713) 338 2073 to schedule an appointment at Houston pediatric dentist in The Heights, TX.