Most of the fluoride (around 99%) is found in bones in the form of calcium fluoride. When it comes to dental care, it is the most important mineral in terms of dental health. Fluoride is a nature’s gift, and there are many sources where fluoride can be found. So here are some of the best sources of fluoride.
Fluoridated Toothpaste
You must have heard your dentist suggesting you to use the fluoride toothpaste for the best dental care. Fluoridated toothpaste has a lot of benefits like fewer cavities, reduced cavities, less need for fillings and tooth extractions, and reduction the suffering associated with tooth decay. This provides your teeth with a near exposure to fluoride every day. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) seal is one of the important things to look along with the fluoride while choosing your toothpaste. Other features like whitening, gel, texture, and flavour is really a matter of preference.
To get the most of the toothpaste, you need to use it as directed by the dentist. The amount of toothpaste used should be based on age. For instance: it is advised to use a pea-sized toothpaste for your child between the age of three and six years
Fluoridated Mouthwash
Few studies have shown that the mouthwashes with fluoride can supplement daily brushing along with fluoride toothpaste. It is essential to use the mouthwash in the areas where drinking water is not supplemented with fluoride. Fluoride mouthwash is effective in strengthening the enamel of your teeth and protecting your teeth from acid damage.
Public Drinking Water
Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the levels of fluoride in public drinking water. There are many nationals and international organizations supporting the fluoridation of water to prevent tooth decay in the community. In Canada, Brantford, Ontario, was the first community to fluoridate its water supply in 1945. Fluoride in water is optimally used to maintain a balance between preventing tooth decay and the risk of developing dental fluorosis. Therefore, if the local drinking water provided to your community is fluoridated, it makes one of the sources of fluoride.
Foods
Many processed food and seafood manufacturers include fluoride in their processes. Here are some of the examples of foods that contain fluoride.
Processed foods:
- Cereals
- Canned soups
- Canned meat
Apart from packed foods, many fruits, vegetables, and fruit items contain fluoride in their natural forms. Some of these natural foods include:
- Seedless raisins
- Cucumber
- Orange
- Vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, carrots
- White rice
- Potatoes
If you live in the area where there is fluoridated water, the food manufacturers in that particular region will use the water to process and pack foods. Indirectly, you are consuming fluoride through these foods.
Beverages
Since the beverages are manufactured in the area where there is fluoridated water, they may also contain some amount of fluoride in them. Using the same fluoridated drinking water, they manufacture beverages such as:
- Artificial sweeteners
- Black tea
- Table wine
- Fruit juice
- Coffee
Fluoride provides various benefits to your teeth such as positive effect on oral health and reversing of tooth decay. But excess fluoride can also harm your tooth development and result in dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis. Read more about fluoride and its benefits for your dental care.
