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Fluoride is crucial to good oral hygiene and the development of healthy teeth. But it is often misunderstood or misrepresented, and people may not immediately recognize the benefits fluoride provides. Below, Olive Branch, MS, dentist Bradley M. Stewart shares three facts about fluoride and teeth.

3 Facts About Fluoride & Teeth

1. Fluoride Strengthens Teeth

Enamel, the outermost layer of teeth, protects the tooth itself from the damaging effects of decay. Tooth decay wears away at the minerals in the enamel, making the tooth susceptible to any number of oral health issues. But fluoride is absorbed by the enamel and replaces the minerals that were lost due to decay. This process makes the tooth stronger and helps it withstand the ravages of harmful bacteria.

2. Fluoride Is a Naturally Occurring Mineral

Fluoride is a natural substance. It is a naturally occurring part of water, regardless of the water's source. It is also in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs. Because of its dental benefits, it is also an added ingredient in oral care products like toothpaste and fluoride mouth rinses.

3. Fluoride Is Safe

dentistThough it's been the subject of controversy in recent years, fluoride is generally agreed to be a perfectly safe product. As long as it is taken as prescribed or as part of a dental care product, fluoride is an essential part of good oral healthcare. In fact, many water sources are fluoridated because the mineral is widely understood to be of significant value to human oral health.

To make an appointment for fluoride treatment, teeth cleaning, or any other type of dental care, contact Bradley M. Stewart. For more than 15 years, Dr. Stewart and his team have been serving Olive Branch and all of Desoto County. Call (662) 893-5800, visit their website, or reach out to them on Facebook or Google+ to make an appointment with a trusted dentist today.

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