Fluoride mineral prevents tooth decay and strengthens the teeth, but it has some side effects. It is crucial to visit the dentist for advice on the treatment benefits.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in groundwater, lakes, and rivers. It is also present in many foods such as tea, milk, and bread. When fluoride enters your mouth, it gets absorbed by the enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance and is important for protecting your teeth. The fluoride continues to work in your mouth for as long as you brush and floss. It also works to reduce the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Topical fluoride treatments normally last a couple of minutes. You can apply fluoride varnish (a clear varnish containing fluoride that is applied directly to the teeth) at home by your dentist, or you may use fluoride toothpaste. If you’re prone to cavities, ask your dentist about your fluoride treatment options.
When Is Fluoride Recommended?
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay because it allows the teeth to become more resistant to the acid attack of the bacteria that causes decay. You can apply the mineral to the teeth with fluoride treatments and help prevent decay.
The dentist can recommend fluoride treatment when you have:
- Dry mouth
A dry mouth increases your risk of cavities because of a lack of saliva. The saliva cleans the teeth and gum and removes particles. If you have a dry mouth, the dentist can recommend fluoride treatment to prevent cavities.
- Existing dental restorations
These dental restorations can be a source of bacteria, which can re-infect the tooth and cause root decay. If your existing fillings, crowns, or bridges are damaged, microbial contamination is possible, which can lead to re-infection and re-decay. If you don’t use fluoride, you may still get cavities, but they tend to be smaller and easier to treat than without fluoride. Harder surfaces in the mouth are more likely to wear down without fluoride. You may also be more likely to develop other dental problems such as tooth sensitivity.
- Reduced or poor oral hygiene
Poor oral health is another common risk factor for adult tooth decay. The greatest benefit of fluoride is that it helps to strengthen a weak enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Fluoride is absorbed into enamel when it is applied to prevent future decay. Fluoride is also known to limit the growth of decay-causing bacteria and strengthen the tooth structure.
What are the Benefits of Fluoride?
Fluoride prevents cavities, strengthens teeth, and prevents gum disease. As childhood teeth are strongest, fluoride works best in treating and preventing tooth decay. The benefits of fluoride start immediately after the first treatment. A study found that children who had one fluoride treatment had a 60% reduction in the risk of developing tooth decay.
You can find a dentist that offers fluoride treatments to help improve your oral health, and they can help you take advantage of a simple and effective way to improve your oral health. Other fluoride benefits include:
- Protects teeth from decay, the leading cause of tooth loss
- Prevents tooth sensitivity
- Protects the teeth from gum disease
- It helps to maintain strong teeth.
What Happens During a Professional Fluoride Treatment?
A professional fluoride treatment is usually performed in a dental office or clinic. The dentist will ask about your oral hygiene practices, diet, and medical history. Based on that, the dentist will decide whether you need fluoride treatment or not. He will also ask about your family history of tooth decay and the severity of your tooth decay.
It can be done in the form of a topical fluoride treatment or a professionally applied fluoride gel. The procedure involves the application of a fluoride gel to the teeth. The gel is left on the teeth for a set period before removal. The fluoride gel helps to protect the teeth by reducing the risk of cavities. The fluoride gel also helps to promote healthy teeth and gums.
The fluoride treatment procedure is quick and easy. The treatment is not painful. You will not be required to take any medications or spend time in a hospital. You will not be sick or have any post-treatment instructions. There is no recovery time involved. After the fluoride treatment procedure, you will get back to your regular activities as soon as possible.
How Much Fluoride Do You Need?
This amount varies depending on the area of your mouth and the amount of fluoride you’ve already consumed. Also, if you have any dental restorations, you may need to get as much fluoride as the dentist recommends.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Family Care Dental for more information about fluoride treatment.