Fluoride is a word most everyone has heard and they know that it is something that helps their teeth. However, not everyone knows much about fluoride beyond these well-known facts. Understanding more about the topic can give you a clearer picture of the important role it should be playing in our life and educate you on various factors you should be aware of in order to keep your own and your family's teeth as healthy as possible. Here are some things you should know about fluoride:

What fluoride does for your teeth

Fluoride helps to protect your teeth against cavities and other types of damages by keeping the enamel stronger. The enamel on your teeth is strong, but it can become thinner as time goes on and the thinner it gets, the more susceptible you are to dental problems. The fluoride will help replenish it and help it from excessive wear. Things like excessive brushing, acids, plaque, and tartar are constantly trying to destroy it. When fluoride comes in contact with your teeth, it gets absorbed into them and repairs weaknesses and damage.

How you can get more fluoride in your mouth

There are many ways you can consume fluoride. Sometimes the water you drink will have fluoride in it. You can also get it from certain types of toothpaste and mouthwashes. If you are in need of a good amount of fluoride then your dentist can even prescribe you a good fluoride supplement.

Sometimes children need more fluoride

If you have a child then the dentist may decide that they want them to have more fluoride. This can especially be true if you are giving them filtered water. Filtered water will have contaminants removed through a filtration system that can't tell the difference between actual contaminants and fluoride, so it removes the fluoride with everything else. Therefore. Your child's dentist may give you a prescription for drops that you can add to your little one's drinks or they may give your child gel treatments where your child will have a tray filled with the gel put into their mouth for a few minutes. These gels come in some tasty flavors so your child won't mind the treatments so much.

You may need sealants

Under certain conditions, your dentist may want to put sealants on your molars if they are at a greater than normal risk of cavities. These sealants are thin strips that the dentist will put on your teeth to fill in the bumps and grooves. Once they are put in place they can remain in place for years to give you added protection.

Contact a dental office that offers teeth whitening​ for more information and assistance.