fluoride is one of the most important ingredients found in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products. Dental professionals point out that it is an essential mineral for our teeth. But what exactly is fluoride and what functions does it have for oral health?

This mineral has multiple effects on the maintenance and care of dental enamel. It reduces the risk and prevalence of caries, both in adults and in adolescents and young children.

To understand its importance and different uses today, it is essential to understand what fluoride is and what reactions it has. Also its advantages or applications in oral health. We invite you to discover these and other questions that will be of great help in your daily life.

What is itfluoride?

fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in the earth's crust and in large areas of salt water. It is a chemical element of the halogen group. Fish and canned foods, rice, barley, fruits and certain vegetable products are examples of foods that contribute to fluoride intake.

This mineral is part of the human body, as it is responsible for the formation of different structures such as bones and tooth enamel. In our body we find it in the form of calcium fluoride, since, together with this other mineral, calcium, it forms structures of great hardness in the organism.

However, all body tissues are alive, and their cells are constantly changing. Some of the minerals that make up these tissues can be lost, so it is essential to replenish fluoride to ensure a full recovery.

Unlike other minerals, our body receives fluoride through the diet, but also through topical application. This compound found in toothpastes and mouthwashes favors the direct remineralization of teeth, strengthening tooth enamel.

Why is fluoride so important?

Food debris that accumulates on the surface of the teeth and gums is available to the bacteria that are naturally present in our mouth. These form dental biofilm, metabolizing sugars and releasing acids that lower the pH of the oral cavity.

When the oral pH level is below 5.5, enamel demineralization occurs. Over time, if this problem is not treated, a disease can form in the tooth, which is known as dental caries.

The fluoride present in drinking water, in food, and especially in toothpastes and rinses, after an exchange of ions with the enamel, fluorapatite is formed. This mineral is very resistant and protects teeth from caries.

With continued daily use of fluoride products, children's and adults' teeth are at lower risk of developing caries.

How is fluorideincorporated into the tooth?

There are different ways to apply fluoride at the dental level. In addition to fluoride products for daily oral hygiene, such as toothpaste and Mouthwash, there are also specific dental treatments, applied at the dentist's office in the form of gels and varnishes, among others.

The most common is to apply the fluoride topically through daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, the enamel will be protected against the action of bacteria in the mouth.

It is very important to start using toothpaste with fluoride in daily brushing from childhood. In this way, teeth will enjoy better health and protection throughout life, reducing the risk of caries and other oral diseases.

Benefits of fluoride for teeth

We have already seen what fluoride is and how it is applied, but what benefits does it have on tooth enamel? In addition to preventing tooth decay, fluoride has many other advantages, as we will see below.

Strengthens tooth enamel

As we have explained, the topical application of fluoride strengthens the natural enamel of the tooth. By combining with other minerals such as calcium and phosphate, we obtain fluorapatite, which is more resistant than hydroxyapatite, the mineral that makes up enamel.

Remineralizes enamel

But fluoride not only remains on the surface of the enamel, but is also absorbed by this living tissue, replenishing the minerals lost in the natural process of cellular replacement. The fluoride has the important mission of remineralizing the tooth, making it stronger against the attack of acids released by bacteria.

Antibacterial effect

It has also been proven that this mineral has a powerful antibacterial action. That is, it keeps at bay the growth and development of oral bacteria, so it not only prevents tooth decay, but is also beneficial against periodontitis or infection of the gum tissues.

Reduces sensitivity

With the passage of time, and due to the wear of the enamel, tooth sensitivity appears. But with a good supply of fluoride, ideal to protect the tooth, we can reduce or avoid the typical discomfort of sensitive teeth.

Prevention of dental caries through the fluoride

Now that you know what fluoride is and what its benefits are, it is your turn to take the most important step. The recommendation of professionals is to use different compounds such as fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes on a daily basis during brushing .

In this way you will not only be preventing the appearance of caries, but you will also be favoring the remineralization of dental enamel, with extra protection for your smile.

Find the most suitable products for your oral health care according to your needs. At KIN we have a wide variety of toothpastes and rinses with fluoride for the whole family, with the most suitable formulation of ingredients, which will make it much easier for you.