A FLUORIDE TREATMENT IN OUR OFFICE TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES.
Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay, as well as preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. After a fluoride treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Our office uses a fluoride varnish, which is the best delivery of fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or twelve months.
BENEFITS OF A FLUORIDE TREATMENT
Fluoride treatments may benefit people of all ages. Fluoride is similar to calcium. It is a mineral and hard substance that strengthens teeth. Fluoride is found naturally in many foods and water. It provides a remineralization process that strengthens teeth. When acids sit on your teeth, such as from coffee, your enamel goes through a demineralization process, which can cause tooth decay. Fluoride helps counteract this process with remineralization. It helps prevent tooth decay by making your teeth more resistant to the acids from plaque bacteria.
MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN'S TEETH
It is important for children to be exposed to fluoride. Kids between the ages of 6 months to 16 years should have a common exposure to fluoride. During this time period, a growing individuals permanent teeth come in. It is important for children and teens to keep their teeth healthy at a young age with fluoride to prevent oral health issues later in life.
STRENGTHEN YOUR TEETH
If you have crowns with leaky margins or areas of tooth erosion, then our fluoride treatment can strengthen these areas. This makes your teeth more resistant to decay and may help your mouth become less sensitive to hot or cold drinks/foods.
HYPERSENSITIVITY
The American Dental Association (ADA) approves the use of fluoride varnishes for dental hypersensitivity. The fluoride forms a calcium layer that protects your nerves from over-sensitivity. Varnishes can stay on your teeth for hours, providing an advantage over products like mouth rinses. If you experience sensitivity after using teeth whitening treatments, then a fluoride varnish may help prevent that over-sensitivity.
BRACES, BRIDGES, AND CROWNS
If you have braces, bridges, or crowns then you may be exposed to an increased risk of tooth decay. In certain cases, a fluoride varnish may be appropriate to strengthen your mouth and prevent further damage. Ask our dentists if our fluoride treatment could benefit your oral health.
PREVENT ORAL HEALTH COMPLICATIONS
Using fluoride from toothpaste, water, and mouthwash can prevent complications like periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Fluoride is also known for helping with certain dry mouth conditions. Our fluoride varnishes may further protect your oral health against these conditions.
CONTACT US FOR YOUR FLUORIDE TREATMENT
If you think a fluoride treatment may be beneficial to your oral health, give us a call to schedule your first or next appointment. One of our dentists will take a look at your situation and see if our fluoride varnish is right for you. If you are overdue for your next appointment, give us a call and we'll get you scheduled in. Feel free to view our contact page to view our hours and get directions to our practice.