Why fluoride is so important in toothpaste? What is 1500 ppm fluoride, and why is it crucial for healthy teeth? Berry Dent explains everything about fluoride, from its function and benefits to choosing the right toothpaste for optimal oral health.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in soil, rocks, water, and air. It’s essential for the body, especially for building strong bones and teeth. Fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing cavities and is commonly added to toothpaste and mouthwash.
How Fluoride Works
Fluoride strengthens teeth through three primary mechanisms:
- Remineralization: Fluoride combines with calcium and phosphate in enamel, repairing weakened areas and making teeth more resistant to acid erosion from oral bacteria.
- Inhibiting Acid Production: Oral bacteria metabolize sugars and starches, producing acids that erode enamel and cause cavities. Fluoride inhibits this bacterial activity, reducing acid production and preventing cavities.
- Reducing Demineralization: Enamel undergoes constant demineralization and remineralization. Excess acid in the mouth accelerates demineralization, weakening enamel. Fluoride helps slow down this process, maintaining a healthy mineral balance in enamel.
Why 1500 ppm Fluoride in Toothpaste?
The concentration of fluoride in toothpaste is measured in parts per million (ppm). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Dental Association of Thailand recommend 1500 ppm fluoride for adults and children aged six and above. This concentration is considered optimal for cavity prevention, offering high efficacy and safety. Children under six should use lower fluoride concentrations and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to prevent excessive fluoride ingestion.
Choosing Toothpaste with Fluoride
When purchasing toothpaste, check the label for 1500 ppm fluoride. Consider additional benefits like sensitivity relief or whitening, but prioritize fluoride for optimal oral health.
Fluoride is essential for cavity prevention. Regularly using toothpaste with 1500 ppm fluoride, like Berry Dent hybrid herbal toothpaste, strengthens enamel, inhibits bacterial acid production, and reduces demineralization, promoting strong, cavity-free teeth.