The Importance of Fluoride for Sensitive Teeth

Have you ever noticed toothpaste ingredients written on the packaging? If so, it may often be seen that sodium monofluorophosphate is listed in the womb. Another name is fluoride. Apparently, this substance is very good for maintaining the health of the oral cavity while handling sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth, or the medical term is called dentin hypersensitivity, is a feeling that is uncomfortable on teeth and gums in response to a hot or cold stimulus. Usually due to eating food or drinks that are cold or hot.

Even with a breath through the mouth, the teeth can also feel pain. This can be a sign of a more serious dental problem.

Other causes can also be due to cracked teeth, eroded enamel due to strong friction when brushing your teeth, and erosion teeth because of frequent consumption of acidic foods or drinks.

The occurrence of a decrease in gum (gum recession) so that the root surface is open also causes sensitive teeth. Not a few, teeth become sensitive after treatment of whitening teeth.

What is the mechanism for the occurrence of sensitive teeth? Part of the tooth, which is a healthy enamel layer, serves to protect the crown of the tooth above the gum line. In addition to email, there is a layer called cementum which serves to protect the root surface of the tooth.

Under the e-mail and cementum there is a thin layer of dentine so that if these two protective layers are lost or eroded, then when exposed to hot or cold stimuli can affect the nerves in the teeth. This is what causes teeth to become sensitive.

The role of fluoride for teeth

If your teeth are sensitive, it is important to pay more attention to the selection of toothpaste by looking at the contents.

The most important ingredient in a toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral content found in toothpaste that plays an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and mouth. This substance is able to prevent damage to cavities and to demineralize teeth.

There are two ways to use fluoride, which can be local and systemic. Locally it can be done by gargling using mouthwash containing fluoride, or by using toothpaste that has fluoride content.

Topical applications can be done with the help of a dentist. Fluor dioles on the teeth using a brush or can also be placed on a print spoon and then put into the mouth. After this treatment the patient is expected not to eat or drink so that fluoride can be absorbed to the fullest.

Meanwhile, the systemic method can be done by fluoridating drinking water and giving fluoride in tablet form.

In the case of sensitive teeth, handling of teeth can be done in various ways. One of them is by replacing special toothpaste sensitive teeth. This toothpaste can generally help in dealing with painful teeth.

Can also use mouthwash containing fluoride. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), gargling with fluoride mouthwash can strengthen the enamel layer and help protect against sensitivity. Gargle once a day after brushing your teeth.

Oral hygiene is an important step in preventing tooth decay or other oral diseases. Don't forget to brush your teeth twice a day, morning and night before going to bed. Use toothpaste or mouthwash containing fluoride so that your sensitive teeth can be handled.