10/15/2026
Should I Get a Fluoride Treatment for My Teeth?
Every day, your body absorbs and loses fluoride. You typically absorb naturally occurring fluoride through the foods you eat and water. Besides fluoride in foods and water, you can apply fluoride directly to your teeth using fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. You lose fluoride mainly through the demineralization of your teeth, which happens when acids from plaque bacteria and sugars in your mouth attack tooth enamel. You can "put fluoride back" (along with calcium and phosphate) into your tooth enamel by eating healthy foods. Another way to get more fluoride is through fluoride treatments at your dentist's office. Essentially, if you lose fluoride faster than you take it in, you’re at higher risk of tooth decay.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by protecting your teeth from acid attacks caused by plaque bacteria and sugars in your mouth. Amazingly, it can also reverse early stages of tooth decay. For children under 6 years old, fluoride plays a role in developing permanent teeth, making it harder for acids to demineralize them. Research also shows that regular fluoride treatments for adults can help prevent dental decay in up to 75% of patients.
