Fluoride Facts

For decades, fluoride has been held in high regard by the dental community as an important mineral that is absorbed into and strengthens tooth enamel, thereby helping to prevent decay of tooth structures.

In nearly every U.S. community, public drinking supplies are supplemented with sodium fluoride because the practice is acknowledged as safe and effective in fighting cavities.

Some private wells may contain naturally fluoridated water.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which can found throughout nature in water, soil, air and food.  By adding fluoride into our drinking water, it can be absorbed easily into tooth enamel, especially in children’s growing teeth, which helps to reduce tooth decay.

Why Is Fluoride Important To Teeth?

Fluoride is absorbed into structures, such as bones and teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to fractures and decay. A process in your body called "remineralization" uses fluoride to repair damage caused by decay.

How Do I Get Fluoride?

Just drinking public water will provide a certain measure of fluoride protection. But for years, health professionals have endorsed the practice of supplementing our intake with certain dietary products, and topical fluorides in many toothpastes and some kinds of rinses. Certain beverages such as tea and soda may also contain fluoride. Certain kinds of dental varnishes and gels may also be applied directly to teeth to boost fluoride intake.

Fluoride Safety

It is generally NOT safe to swallow toothpastes, rinses, or other products containing topical fluoride. In rare cases, some people may be overexposed to high concentrations of fluoride, resulting in a relatively harmless condition called fluorosis, which leaves dark enamel stains on teeth.

Our Location

3101 Old Highway 8 Suite 303 Roseville, MN 55113

Hours of Operation

Monday:

1:00 pm-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "My family and I have been seeing Dr. Petersen for our dental care for decades....I remember seeing Dr. Petersen on the Eastside when he covered Fridays for another DDS. Excellent and compassionate care from Dr. Petersen and his dental team."
    - Karin Cierzan
  • "We have always been coming here for years now. First just me and my husband, now the 2 kiddos too. I don’t carry dental insurance and find the pricing reasonable. The staff is very friendly and good with kids too. I highly recommend this dental office."
    - Susan Cramer Medina
  • "I have been coming to this clinic for over 19 years with only one brief hiccup (of which I corrected and came back) and trust my dental health to only Dr. Petersen and his staff of professionals. If you want perfection this is where you should come to get it and always with a gentle touch."
    - Brenda Ciccone
  • "I've been coming to see him since 1992. Wow I have referred many friends and family. I love this practice. They have been great over the years."
    - Jennie Hawkins
  • "Excellent care for your entire family. Warm, welcoming staff!"
    - Paul Talarico