What is Flouride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that assists in developing strong teeth and preventing cavities. People at risk of tooth decay can benefit from fluoride treatments, though they may not be appropriate for everyone. Let’s examine fluoride benefits, side effects, and treatment recommendations.
What Is a Fluoride Treatment?
Our dental professionals at Ankita J Patel DDS apply fluoride treatments to patients’ teeth to reduce their risk of cavities. These treatments usually contain a high concentration of fluoride in the form of solutions, gels, foams, or varnishes. Fluoride treatments can be also administered to teeth at home.
The fluoride used by our dentist in these treatments works similarly to that found in toothpaste. The treatments, however, contain much higher doses and may be more effective immediately.
Fluoride Benefits
Fluoride benefits the teeth in several ways:
- The body can better utilize calcium and phosphate with this supplement. Weak tooth enamel is repaired by reabsorbing these minerals.
- The mineral joins into the tooth’s structure during development and strengthens its enamel, making it more resistant to bacteria and cavities.
- By harming bacteria that cause cavities, this mineral slows or even reverses their growth.
Collectively, these benefits can:
- Decrease the risk of cavities
- Reduce the growth of cavities
- Reduce the need for expensive dental work
- Maintain the health of baby teeth
- Reduce dental expenses and time spent at the dentist
As well as preventing teeth cavities and preventing bacteria from multiplying, a fluoride treatment may:
- Aid in the prevention of gum disease
- Reduce tooth sensitivity
- Prevent early tooth loss
Fluoride Treatment Recommendations
According to the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association, small amounts of fluoride every day can reduce the risk of dental cavities in anyone of any age.
Drinking fluoridated tap water and brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste provides significant benefits. Fluoride treatments may offer additional benefits to children and adults who are at a higher risk of cavities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends fluoride treatment for children’s teeth to grow correctly and to prevent decay, pain, and future dental infections.
Professional fluoride treatment can help protect against tooth decay in individuals who are at a moderate to high risk. Professional fluoride treatments should be applied twice a year to those at high risk of dental cavities.
Ask our dentist at Ankita J Patel DDS in Plano if you would benefit from the application of a fluoride varnish if you suffer from:
- Dry mouth
- Weak enamel
- Oral health issues
- Crowns
Our dentist may also suggest additional preventive measures if you are at a greater risk of tooth decay, such as over-the-counter or prescription fluoride mouthwashes or gels or antibacterial mouthwashes.
Patients should discuss fluoride treatment with our dentist to determine its risks and benefits. In addition to fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash, it is essential to consider other fluoride sources in Plano. If you live in an area where the water does not contain fluoride, fluoride treatments may be beneficial.
Are Fluoride Treatments Right for Me?
Contact Ankita J Patel DDS today to learn more about Fluoride Treatment options. Our dental professionals are here to answer any questions you may have about the benefits of fluoride.
