Fluoride

Overview

This chemical compound, also called "sodium fluoride," helps strengthen your bones and teeth. It's found in your teeth's hard outer layer (called the "enamel"). Throughout your life, your body uses fluoride to repair your teeth's enamel. Fluoride helps prevent cavities.

How you get fluoride

Fluoride comes from minerals in the soil and rocks. It dissolves out of these and makes its way into rivers, lakes and wells. It's also found in some of the foods you eat. Because it's so important for your health, fluoride is added to some public water supplies. It's added to many types of toothpaste and to other oral hygiene products.

You need fluoride

Everyone can benefit from fluoride. You can get more by drinking tap water, not bottled water, because fluoride is often filtered out of bottled water. You can use a toothpaste or mouth rinse that contains fluoride. Your dentist may recommend that you take a fluoride supplement. And, your dentist may recommend a fluoride gel to help strengthen your teeth.

Conclusion

Fluoride is important for healthy, strong teeth. Talk to your dentist for more information.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.