Fluoride is a chemical compound – an inorganic, monatomic anion of the element fluorine!

It’s a natural mineral which is really good for your teeth. It’s naturally found in many foods and in the water we get from our taps.

Fluoride has been proven to have massive benefits to dental health and to significantly reduce tooth decay.

But as the natural level of fluoride in our water varies across the country, it’s added in some areas.

Fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay. It also reduces the amount of acid that the bacteria on your teeth produce.

The amount of fluoride in water is very small.

If your water does have a taste, it’s more likely to be from other natural minerals – things like Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium or a number of other minerals depending on its source.

There are a wide variety of toothpastes available but not all contain fluoride. That’s why you should check that yours does – in an appropriate amount for your age.

Here’s what you should be doing…

Get a good fluoride toothpaste, use a pea sized portion to thoroughly brush your teeth – an electric toothbrush can be especially effective.

But DON’T rinse your mouth – you’ll only be rinsing away the fluoride, so it won’t be able to do it’s job keeping your gnashers in top nick!

And don’t swallow your toothpaste – while it’s not harmful, too much of a good thing is not great. And your stomach doesn’t need a good clean.

Click here for more from Professor Hallux’s Dental Depositary!

Fluoride can be good for your teeth but you shouldn’t eat your toothpaste!
It might be helpful to not rinse your mouth after brushing so the fluoride stays in your mouth.

If you liked this, you’ll love Professor Hallux’s Body Podcast for Kids! It’s packed full of amazing stuff about the human body and has loads more info about your gnashers!

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