Does Iodine prevent cavities?

Fluoride has been used over the years for caries prevention in the dental office and outside the dental office. Most water is fluoridated in the United States, as well as toothpastes and mouth rinses, which have a small percentage of fluoride.

It has been one of the greatest staples of caries prevention since its discovery, but now in addition to fluoride, the use of Iodine has become increasingly popular in the dental field for its uses in preventing gum disease and tooth decay.

What is Iodine?

Iodine is an element that is needed for the production of thyroid hormone; if you do not have enough Iodine in the body, you cannot make enough thyroid hormone. The body does not naturally produce Iodine, so most Iodine in the body is provided through your diet. In the United States, Iodine can be found in various foods such as using iodized table salt, dairy products, seafood, meat, some breads, and eggs.

Iodine deficiency in the body can cause goiter, which is enlargement of the thyroid, hypothyroidism, and can stunt mental development in infants and children whose mothers were iodine deficient during pregnancy. The topic of Iodine deficiency has always been widely discussed in the medical field due to its many effects on the body; but what about your oral health?

Why Iodine is Important:

Iodine deficiency can lead to numerous problems in relation to your oral health. Due to endocrine dysfunction, lack of iodine in the body can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth, which causes reduced salivary flow in the mouth, can lead to cavities and gum disease. Iodine deficiency can also lead to mouth breathing, open bites, delayed tooth eruption, compromised periodontal health and many more oral problems. In some research studies, Iodine is shown when applied to teeth to prevent cavities, just as fluoride does and they can have a better effect when they are combined together.

With new developing research studies happening every day, the use of iodine in the dental field has great potential for growth. Currently, with its known effects of fighting off cavity causing bacteria and aiding in the prevention of gum disease, the use of Iodine in preventive dentistry is increasing.

Contact Us Today!

Here at Museum Smiles, it is our mission to treat not only the wellness of your teeth with the most beneficial dental care, but your body as well.

If you have any questions concerning Iodine and the effects of it on your health, set up an appointment with us and we would happily discuss your concerns with you. We are located within a few minutes of Downtown Fort Worth, and proudly serve patients from Arlington, Keller, and Fort Worth Areas.