You’ve probably heard a lot about fluoride and other benefits that it has.  Did you know that there are different types of fluoride? 

They are: 

• Sodium fluoride 
• Stannous fluoride 
• Sodium monofluorophosphate 

While this might seem like the start of a chemistry lesson that’s not the case. Here, we’ll talk about stannous fluoride specifically, which is a fluid that has benefits that are important to the proper usage of oral health care products. 

What it does 

Fluoride is important because it prevents the decay of teeth and strengthens the enamel. This is something that is an essential type of ingredient, especially in toothpastes. That means that the ADA will only give their seal of acceptance on different toothpastes that have it. 

There are various types of fluoride that’ll be found in toothpaste, especially stannous fluoride. 

Fluoride  is something that’ll prevent and fight cavities and prevent the decay of teeth. Simply by prevention of demineralization and repairing the damaged enamel of the tooth before you develop cavities, as this is an issue that does require a dentist to help with treatment of this. 

What Stannous Fluoride is 

Stannous fluoride is common in toothpaste that’s recognized directly by the ADA as a type of agent that’s effective in reducing the decay of teeth./ 

The primary difference however between stannous fluoride versus the other types are the benefits that are there. 

They include: 

• They prevent cavities better. Every type of fluoride does have some cavity control, this one specifically is known to make the surfaces of the teeth much more resistant to acids in bacteria. 
• It’s antimicrobial, so it will kill off the bacteria that’s found within the plaque that’ll cause tooth decay and gum disease. 
• It’s good for reducing sensitivity to heat, cold, acids, and also sweet foods as well. It creates a layer that’s put over the dentin tubes which are small channels of various dentin that lead directly to the pulp near the center. 

The difference between Stannous and sodium fluoride 

While they may seem the same, they’re not. Sodium fluoride is one that’s found in the water that we have that has fluoride added to it.  This one also fights the cavities one has and is better at strengthening the enamel. However, it will not provide the anti-hypersensitivity and antimicrobial benefits that the stannous fluoride offers. 

How else to Prevent tooth decay. 

While fluoride is a great additive, it should not be the only way to prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by a lot of things. 

The first thing is to look at the sugary foods you have, and also reduce the intake of this. Bacteria on the teeth surfaces will eat the sugar and then release these acids that’ll be eating away at the enamel of the tooth.  You’re better off preventing tooth decay by doing this, so that you don’t have to worry about it. 

Having better habits of oral hygiene are also important for prevention of tooth decay. Just brushing your teeth for a few minutes every single day with fluoride toothpastes, including those containing stannous fluoride and flossing daily will prevent cavities and other problems with your oral health, including gum disease. 

Always make sure to visit the dentist and the hygienist about every six or so months to get a regular cleaning.  Getting dental appointments twice yearly also gives you a chance to diagnose and also get the best ways to  prevent it. That way, you can have the ideal oral hygiene experience you need for your needs.