Foods with Fluoride: Natural Sources of This Important Mineral

Do you tend to get cavities often? Although there could be many underlying causes, your enamel may be weak. Although you can’t necessarily get enamel back, you can reinforce it with the right nutrients: calcium and fluoride. You know about calcium-rich foods you can have to help, but what about fluoride? Can you get it from another source besides your toothpaste? Keep reading to learn about drinks and foods with fluoride.

Foods and Drinks with Fluoride

You may be aware of foods that have necessary vitamins and minerals, but fluoride isn’t one that you may initially think of as important. However, it strengthens your tooth enamel, fortifying it against eroding acids. So here are the foods and drinks that are healthy sources of fluoride.

Water

One of the best ways you can give your body enough fluoride is to drink plenty of tap water. Bottled water often doesn’t have the same amount of fluoride that local municipal water generally has.

Many other foods and drinks contain tap water. For instance, certain kinds of produce like spinach, potatoes, apples, and watermelon may come with a higher fluoride content because they are filled with water.

Grapes, Raisins, and Wine

Grapes in almost every form are a great source of fluoride, so feel free to enjoy them however you prefer. Just keep in mind that grape juice and raisins may have added sugars, which can increase the risk of cavities. As a result, it’s a good idea to check labels!

Seafood

Crab and shrimp aren’t just fancy foods; they are also rich in fluoride. You may not want to have them on a regular basis, but every now and then, they can give your smile added protection against decay.

Black Tea and Coffee

Without sweeteners, tea and coffee naturally contain a little fluoride, but if you use tap water to make your favorite hot beverage, you could get an extra boost.

Other Ways to Get Enough Fluoride

If you are concerned that you aren’t getting sufficient fluoride naturally or with your toothpaste, you have a couple of options. First and foremost, you should talk to your dentist. They can give you a concentrated fluoride treatment after your cleaning and possibly recommend a toothpaste that can meet your needs. You could use a fluoride mouthwash after you brush and floss your teeth every day.

Ultimately, with the help of your dentist and some smart choices in your diet, you can protect your smile from damaging cavities. When you get enough fluoride, your teeth can be stronger and more resistant to decay.

About the Practice

Our team of dentists at Boyles General Dentistry have the necessary training to deal with cavities and dental damage. In fact, Dr. Franklin Boyles has earned Mastership status and Dr. Stephen Boyles Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry, distinctions that few dentists achieve. However, we do our best to avoid decay through preventive care and fluoride treatment. To schedule an appointment with us, you may call our Odessa office at 432-366-0896 or contact us online here.