Fluoride has been used by dentists for decades as part of a comprehensive preventative program, usually following a routine dental cleaning. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) highly recommends fluoride treatment for kids, but adults can reap the benefits, too.
Here is a closer look at what fluoride treatments can do - and who can benefit.
What is Fluoride?
Before we go any further, what is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in water sources. Though, it is often added to tap water in many communities throughout the United States as a way of benefitting oral health at all times. It can also be found in oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
Dentists offer fluoride treatments to patients to reduce the risk of tooth decay. It makes teeth stronger and more resistant to the damage caused by bacteria and plaque, as well as a few other benefits, too:
- Reducing the need for expensive dental treatment
- Helping the teeth to use minerals within the body, such as calcium and phosphate
- Slowing active decay
- Preventing gum disease and tooth loss
- Improving oral health - and overall health
It is recommended that fluoride treatments be given every six months after a routine cleaning.
What Does a Fluoride Treatment Do?
Through a process known as tooth remineralization, fluoride treatments boost the strength of a tooth’s enamel. When placed on the teeth, it is absorbed into them and restores the lost minerals. This makes teeth better equipped to stand up against cavities and tooth decay.
Even teeth that are in the early stages of tooth decay can benefit from the use of fluoride. It has the ability to halt any further progression of the damage - and may even get rid of the need to address it with a filling.
The fluoride treatment you receive at your dentist is at a much higher rate of concentration than you would find in your tap water or in oral hygiene products. This powerful mineral can be found in different forms as far as what it will look like and how it will be applied. For instance, it could be a gel, a foam, or even a varnish that is applied to teeth using a tray or a brush. Regardless, they all lead to the same results.
The process is quite easy and fast, but to make sure it fully seeps into your teeth, your dentist may ask you to avoid drinking or eating for 30 minutes after the treatment.
Who Needs Fluoride?
There are many individuals who can benefit from fluoride treatments at the dentist. Both children and adults alike can take advantage of strengthening their enamel, but those who are cavity-prone can benefit even greater, including those who have:
- Many current cavities of all sizes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Eating disorders
- Drug/alcohol addiction
Getting routine fluoride treatments can help to re-strengthen the teeth and protect against more complex dental health issues in the future.
Fluoride Treatment at Dental Associates
At Dental Associates, we believe that preventative care is so important when maintaining a healthy mouth. That’s why we encourage our patients to build up the strength of their teeth using fluoride dental treatments as part of their comprehensive preventative care.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 860-677-8666 . Or, request an appointment online.