The unsung hero of your smile

It’s your grin’s trusty sidekick.

It’s the quiet helper behind a healthy smile.

Meet teeth’s daily defender, fluoride.

The American Dental Association gives fluoride two thumbs up for helping prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. This is the shiny, white layer that covers our teeth. Fluoride shows up in water, food, drinks and dental products, such as toothpaste.

Here’s how fluoride works behind the scenes:

• Before our baby teeth come in, fluoride helps strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities.

• After teeth break through, fluoride helps repair weak spots and stops early decay.

But fluoride isn’t just for kids. Fluoride is always working to keep your smile strong. Think of it as a superhero cape for your teeth, adding extra protection against bacteria, sugars and that sneaky extra soda or late-night snack.

And here’s another reason to drink plenty of water. Fluoridated water helps protect teeth by making them stronger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that while most drinking water has some fluoride, it’s usually not enough to prevent cavities. Although many foods and drinks are often made in places that use fluoridated water, state and local governments decide whether additional fluoride needs to be added to drinking water.

Remember that fluoride is for people of all ages. Whether you’re brushing with fluoride toothpaste or sipping fluoridated water, your smile’s unsung hero is always on the job, no cape required.