In today’s world, chances are you’ve at least heard of fluoride. You probably know it’s an ingredient in most kinds of toothpaste. Perhaps you’re aware that governments add it to tap water. You may have even heard there are foods with fluoride in Sparks! Well, it turns out you need this mineral to protect your teeth and gums. As proof, here’s a summary of why fluoride is essential to oral health and three foods naturally high in it.
Why is Fluoride Essential to Oral Health?
Throughout your life, you lose certain minerals from your teeth. Known as demineralization, the process occurs when acids from plaque bacteria attack tooth enamel. When you lose too many of these minerals, you’re likely to experience tooth decay and cavities.
When consumed, fluoride helps prevent this outcome. It and other minerals are redeposited to your enamel from the food you eat and water you drink. In doing so, they repair your teeth and make them resistant to bacterial acid. This remineralization, therefore, helps prevent cavities and other dental conditions.
Foods High in Fluoride
Fluoride is naturally-occurring, so it’s found in various everyday foods. As an example, consider the three below.
#1 – Grapes & Raisins
Besides being tasty, grapes and raisins are excellent sources of fluoride. In fact, raisins have one of the highest amounts of it. Specifically, there are 156.5 micrograms of fluoride per 200 calories of raisins — that amounts to 4 % of an adult’s recommended daily intake.
However, don’t be too eager with them. Grapes and raisins are also high in sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay if you aren’t careful.
#2 – Potatoes
Potatoes are more than just empty carbs — they also have fluoride. A single boiled potato actually has 67.2 micrograms of it, which is 2% of an adult’s ideal daily intake.
However, differently prepared potatoes have different amounts: baked potatoes and hash browns can have twice as much fluoride as French fries!
#3 – Seafood
Shrimp, crab legs, and other seafood are great for fancy dinners, special occasions, and your fluoride fix. Blue crab has 283.4 micrograms of the latter mineral in each cup, filling about 7 % of your ideal daily intake. Meanwhile, three ounces of oysters have 53.6 micrograms of fluoride, 2% of your day’s suggested amount.
You can and should protect your teeth by brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. Still, don’t forget that foods like those above can boost your oral health too!
About the Practice
Vista Dental Care is a Sparks, NV, dental practice well-known for its excellent results. Thanks to taking a personalized approach, its staff give each patient customized treatment that meets their smile needs. These services can span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency procedures. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (775)-626-3535.