Most of the advantages of fluoride rinses are related to mouth and dental health. Fluoride rinses can help kill germs, keeping the mouth free of disease and decay. The mineral, fluoride, commonly found in these mouth rinses is responsible for strengthening and stabilizing the teeth as well. Children and adults who use fluoride rinses often experience harder teeth, fewer cavities, and fewer oral germs.
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral present in the earth, in water, and in food. Its properties have the effect of strengthening teeth and preventing decay. It can be found in certain types of toothpaste, mouth rinses, and oral tablets. Cities around the world have also added this mineral to their drinking water in order to help prevent problems with teeth. Most people receive enough fluoride for their teeth from food and water, but some may need the extra advantages of fluoride rinses.
People who are likely to need more fluoride may be those who suffer from dry mouth or are on a medication or medical treatment that causes their mouth to be dry. Others who may need the advantages of fluoride rinses are those who wear braces or who have receding gums. In these situations, the amount of fluoride present may not be enough to protect the teeth against decay, so a rinse may be needed.
The type of calcium found in the teeth can easily come under attack by the acid in a person's mouth. This acid is caused by plaque germs breaking down sugary food in the mouth. When the acid attacks the teeth, they can begin to break down, which can lead to cavities and decay. Adding a layer of protective fluoride helps in two ways. It stops the plaque germs from being able to properly turn the sugars into acid, and it protects the teeth from any acid that attempts to erode the teeth.
Increasing dental strength is another of the advantages of fluoride rinses. Even though acid in the mouth can break down teeth, the use of fluoride can help to reverse the process and build teeth back up, making them stronger and harder than they were before. Fluoride can also help strengthen adult teeth when they first form in the mouth by helping to make the inside of the teeth harder.
Although one of the advantages of fluoride rinses is preventing decay, this can not be achieved with one-time use. Most often, those who need to use fluoride rinses will have to use them on a regular basis in order to see good results. Using the correct amount of fluoride can also be a critical step in preventing problems with the teeth because applying too much or too little fluoride can have negative effects.