Fluoride is essential to prevent cavities, restore minerals to tooth enamel, and reduce tooth sensitivity. Fluoride applications contain more of this mineral than toothpaste. They will also remain in your mouth for longer (toothpaste is immediately washed off), so the teeth can absorb more of it.
Thorough brushing and flossing are imperative for healthy gums and teeth. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough for some to avoid cavities. Other factors play a role in developing cavities. These are diet and cavity susceptibility. Every time we eat or drink, the acidity in our mouth increases. If you frequently snack throughout the day, especially if you’re snacking on carbohydrates, the acidity in your mouth stays high for longer periods of time. This increases your risk of developing cavities on your teeth. Highly acidic foods and drinks, like soda, can soften the enamel making it more susceptible to cavities. Some people have more of the cavity-causing bacteria in their saliva than others. Unfortunately, this makes them even more susceptible to cavities than someone with less of this bacteria. These people that have a high susceptibility will develop more cavities than others. Additional measures to reduce their risk are imperative to avoid cavities, like frequent fluoride applications, Xylitol gums or mints, and paying extra attention to their diet.
If you have lost or extracted teeth, you must replace them to prevent the weakening and density loss of bones in your mouth. Other teeth also might shift into vacant positions, distorting your appearance and making eating more difficult.