At Orange Beach Family Dentistry, we recommend using toothpaste that contains fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. It works by making the enamel on your teeth more resistant to the effects of acid created by bacteria in plaque. Fluoride can also help to reverse the early stages of tooth decay, and works to prevent the degenerative bone loss associated with osteoporosis.
Fluoride is a naturally-occuring mineral found in foods such as kale, spinach, apples, brewed tea, milk and several varieties of fish. Many cities in the US add fluoride to the drinking water supply to help reduce tooth decay. In certain cases, we may recommend fluoride treatments for our patients.