If you have braces, using fluoride is non-negotiable. This article from Berry Dent will break down the importance of fluoride for preventing cavities during orthodontic treatment and explain why 1500 ppm fluoride is the optimal choice. The journey to a beautiful smile is filled with small details, and “fluoride” is a key shield that will protect your teeth throughout your treatment.
Why is Fluoride a “Hero” for People with Braces?
While we enjoy seeing our teeth gradually align beautifully, orthodontic appliances create significant cleaning challenges. This is where fluoride plays a crucial role.
The Threat of Cavities During Orthodontic Treatment is Scarier Than You Think
Orthodontic appliances, whether they are brackets, bands, or wires, are excellent traps for food debris and plaque. When bacteria consume these food particles, they release acid that damages our tooth surface. This process is called “demineralization.” If left unchecked, it leads to two major problems:
- Cavities: Holes form on the tooth surface, which are difficult to fix while the appliances are still on.
- White Spot Lesions: These are the initial signs of tooth decay. When the braces are removed, they appear as unsightly, cloudy white spots on the tooth surface, which are very difficult to treat.
How Does Fluoride Work?
Think of fluoride as a professional tooth repair team. When acid damages the tooth surface and causes mineral loss, fluoride steps in to perform two important tasks:
- Slows Down Mineral Loss: It helps inhibit the action of acid from bacteria.
- Speeds Up the Remineralization Process: Fluoride combines with calcium and phosphate in saliva and brings them back to repair the worn tooth surface, making it strong again. It even makes the tooth structure stronger than before, making it more resistant to acid.
What is the Appropriate Amount of Fluoride for People with Braces?
This is a crucial question that everyone with braces should know the answer to because receiving the right amount of fluoride is the key to preventing cavities.
Why 1500 ppm Fluoride?
For the general population, a toothpaste with 1000 ppm fluoride is sufficient. However, for high-risk groups like people with braces, most dentists recommend using a toothpaste with 1500 ppm (Parts Per Million) fluoride, which is the maximum amount allowed in toothpaste by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The reason is that a higher concentration increases the effectiveness in fighting acid and speeds up the repair of the tooth surface, which is essential when your teeth face cleaning challenges every day.
Can People with Braces Use Fluoride-Free Toothpaste?
“It is strongly not recommended.” Not using a fluoride toothpaste while wearing braces is like going into battle without armor. You are giving bacteria a full opportunity to attack your teeth, exponentially increasing the risk of cavities and white spot lesions. Therefore, for long-term dental health, choosing a fluoride toothpaste for people with braces is the wisest choice.
Tips for Choosing a Fluoride Toothpaste for People with Braces:
- Check the Fluoride Amount: Look for the number “1500 ppm” on the label.
- Choose a Gentle Formula: It should not contain harsh abrasives or whitening agents.
- Look for Gum Care Ingredients: Since gums can become easily inflamed, having natural ingredients that soothe the gums is a plus.
Considering all these tips, choosing the right fluoride toothpaste for people with braces is no longer difficult. We recommend Berry Dent, a hybrid herbal toothpaste designed specifically to meet the needs of people with braces. By perfectly blending the power of science and nature, it contains a high concentration of 1500 ppm fluoride to provide maximum cavity prevention, along with the benefits of 5 berry extracts and natural herbs that care for gum health, reduce bacterial buildup, and provide fresh breath. This makes Berry Dent the perfect choice to help you smile confidently, both during and after your orthodontic treatment.