Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect teeth from decay. It is commonly found in toothpaste and water and can also be applied to teeth through a dental sealant or varnish. Most people receive enough fluoride from these sources to keep their teeth healthy. However, if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, your dentist may recommend additional fluoride to help keep your teeth healthy during treatment. Fluoride in orthodontic treatment can help decrease the risk of developing cavities while your braces are on. If you have any questions about whether you need extra fluoride while undergoing orthodontic treatment, be sure to ask your dentist.
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How Does Flouride Impact Orthodontic Treatment?
We have listed five major benefits of fluoride while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Go through them and gain a clear understanding of this topic.
1. Strengthens Enamel
Regular use of fluoride helps to protect your teeth from damage while you are wearing braces. It strengthens enamel by filling in pits and crevices in teeth, which makes them more resistant to decay. This is especially important for orthodontic patients because braces can make it difficult to brush and floss properly, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay and cavities.
2. Prevents Cavities
Fluoride helps reduce the number of cavities you may get while wearing braces or other orthodontic treatments by helping to remineralize your tooth enamel. It also inhibits bacteria from adhering to your teeth and forming plaque, another major cause of cavities.
3. Reduces Tooth Sensitivity
Braces can cause discomfort and irritability when they first go on, but fluoride can help minimize this sensitivity by strengthening the protective layer around your teeth called dentin. This layer acts as a buffer between your nerves (located deep within the tooth) and any external factors like cold air or food particles that could cause discomfort if they come into contact with them directly.
4. Enhances Oral Health
In addition to protecting your teeth from decay, fluoride also helps improve overall oral health by reducing inflammation in the gums, which can lead to periodontal disease if left unchecked. Furthermore, topical fluorides applied directly onto the surface of your teeth help restore minerals back into enamel which aids in keeping your smile healthy after orthodontic treatment has been completed!
5. Promotes Healthy Habits
Last but not least, regularly using fluoride promotes healthy habits such as brushing twice a day and flossing at least once daily, which are essential for maintaining optimal oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment—especially for younger patients who may not be aware of these practices yet!
Final Thoughts
Fluoride is an essential mineral when it comes to keeping our pearly whites healthy both before, during, and after orthodontic treatment. Its ability to strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, reduce tooth sensitivity, enhance oral health overall, and encourage good habits all make fluoride one of the most beneficial components of any dental care routine—orthodontics or otherwise. Be sure to speak with your dentist about specific recommendations for how often you should use fluoride products based on what type of appliance you have installed in order to ensure optimal dental health throughout treatment!
