You might have heard the word “fluoride” thrown around your dentist’s office. But what is it? And why do they seem to like it so much?
In short, fluoride helps strengthen your teeth. Throughout the day, you lose small portions of your enamel to normal wear and tear. As your enamel thins, you might experience increased tooth sensitivity, and are more vulnerable to tooth decay. If you’re more prone to these issues, you might want to pick up some extra fluoride through your diet. Fortunately, that’s an easy task! Keep reading for a list of ideas.
Drinks with Fluoride – Besides Water
Did you know that both natural and municipal water sources contain fluoride? Staying hydrated with good ‘ol H2O is a great way to increase your fluoride intake. But let’s face it: water’s not as fun as some other beverages you could be enjoying. Here’s a list of more exciting drinks that contain fluoride:
- Tea. Brewing your favorite black tea with tap water can add a little more teeth-strengthening power to your mug!
- Coffee. Similarly, black coffee can be a good source of fluoride when made with that “fancy” municipal mixture.
- Grape juice. Actually, any form of grape will give you a good dose of fluoride. So choose your favorite!
While the drinks listed above will add some flavor to your options, it’s important to note that they can stain your teeth, and some of them are quite acidic or sugary. Enjoy them in reasonable amounts to spare your teeth from cavities and use a straw to help avoid discoloration.
Foods with Fluoride
Since fluoride occurs naturally in many water and soil sources, plants and certain animals end up absorbing or consuming a decent amount. Here’s what you should look for:
- Seafood. Crab and shrimp are particularly good choices.
- Vegetables. Most vegetables are considered fluoride-friendly, including carrots, spinach, potatoes, garlic, cucumbers, and many, many more.
- Fruit. Avocados, apples, bananas, cherries, strawberries – almost any fruit you can think of contains fluoride.
You might not see any disadvantages to consuming more of these foods. Sneaky berries, however, will stain your teeth just as easily as coffee! Give your mouth a good warm water rinse after you eat to avoid yellowing. Your teeth might pick up even more traces of fluoride in the process!
Dental Sources of Fluoride
You also hear about fluoride at the dentist because they can administer a fluoride treatment! If you’re already visiting twice a year, adding fluoride to your in-office routine is simple. Your dentist can apply it during a cleaning. And of course, your typical fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash are a great way to get this important mineral on a regular basis!
Increasing your fluoride intake can be beneficial for your teeth. However, if your teeth are excessively sensitive or decay-prone, simply intaking more fluoride on your own won’t solve all your problems. You could have an underlying condition that’s chronically weakening your teeth. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the issue and help you get the right amount of fluoride!
About the Author
Dr. Aarati Kalluri practices at Infinity Dental Care in Hillsboro. She believes that to provide patients with quality care, she needs to get to know them and understand their unique dental situation. If you think you might have thin enamel, notice signs of tooth decay, or just want to know how you can strengthen your teeth, contact her office at 503-352-5116. Dr. Kalluri will be happy to consult with you!