Your tooth enamel is made of microscopic mineral crystals. While this makes tooth enamel very strong, it is not impervious to enamel erosion caused by acidic foods and beverages and the bacteria in your mouth. As time goes on, this process, known as demineralization, can create microscopic pores and channels in your tooth enamel.
Bacteria can slowly exploit these weakened areas to form an area of tooth decay, otherwise known as a cavity. It is also possible for severe enamel erosion to allow the pores in the enamel to extend into the sensitive dentin layer. This is one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity.
Increased exposure to fluoride restores the lost minerals in tooth enamel. This effectively reverses tooth sensitivity and helps prevent future cavities.
If you aren’t getting adequate fluoride exposure in your average day, your dentist at Wynatte Chu, DDS might suggest a basic fluoride treatment. If you have well water, or if your teeth show significant signs of enamel erosion, then she might also suggest brushing your teeth once a day with a prescription-grade concentrated fluoride toothpaste.
It’s best to use the toothpaste at a time when you can avoid eating or drinking anything for at least a half an hour. One of the most convenient ways to do this is to brush your teeth with the fluoride toothpaste right before you go to bed at night. This will give the fluoride time to fully saturate your teeth.
All of this is in addition to brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste as part of your oral hygiene.
If you’ve had issues with tooth decay and sensitivity, you should call Dr. Wynatte Chu at 347-868-6546 to explore your fluoride options in New York, New York.
