Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
What is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment is a way to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride, a natural mineral, is found in many foods and water. It strengthens the enamel and reduces the risk of cavities. Your hygienist or dentist can do them near you during a regular checkup.
Is Dentist Fluoride Treatment Necessary?
Fluoride treatments are one way to help prevent cavities. You can also reduce your risk of cavities by brushing and flossing your teeth daily and getting regular dental checkups.
There are people who need fluoride treatments more regularly than others. Your dentist in Auburn will decide if you need a fluoride treatment based on your risk of getting cavities and other factors. You may be more likely to need a fluoride treatment if you have:
- Dry mouth
- Exposed root surfaces
- Recent cavities
- Crowns and bridges
A dry mouth is when there is not enough saliva in your mouth. Saliva cleans the mouth and washes away the food, preventing tooth decay. A dry mouth can increase your risk of dental cavities because the food particles get stuck in the mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by several factors, including medications and medical conditions. Fluoride treatment can help prevent cavities in people with dry mouths.
An exposed root is the part of your tooth under the gums. Root surfaces can become exposed when you have gum disease. Fluoride treatment can help prevent cavities on exposed root surfaces.
If you have had a cavity, you are more likely to get another one. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth. Fluoride also reverses early tooth decay.
When bacteria affect the teeth underneath the crowns and bridges, you may develop decay and cavities. Fluoride treatments are often recommended for people with crowns and bridges, as they can help keep the teeth underneath healthy and in good condition.
How is Fluoride Treatment Done At the Dental Office?
A fluoride treatment usually takes just a few minutes. Your dentist in 36830 will apply a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish to your teeth with a small brush. The gel, foam, or varnish contains a high level of fluoride. It is crucial to avoid taking anything 30 minutes after the treatment so that the fluoride has time to work.
How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatment?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends getting a fluoride treatment at least twice a year or more. The dentist may recommend a regular fluoride dental treatment in Auburn if you have a high risk of cavities. Fluoride treatments are also recommended for children who are getting their permanent teeth.
What Are the Risks of Fluoride Treatment?
There are very few risks associated with fluoride treatment. Some people may experience a small amount of discomfort when the dental gel, foam, or varnish is applied to their teeth. Fluorosis or the discoloration of the teeth can also occur when you use too much fluoride, for example, fluoridated water.
It is important to use fluoride according to the recommended instructions. Fluorosis occurs mostly in children because they tend to swallow fluoride products. That is why it is recommended to use pea-sized fluoride toothpaste on kids above two years old. Visit a dental office in Auburn for more information on fluoride use.
The fluoride treatment is recommended for children above six years, and the dentist uses the varnish. This is because it hardens on the teeth and cannot be swallowed.
What Other Preventive Measures Can You Use?
Fluoride treatments are one way to help prevent tooth decay. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and eating healthy foods are also important ways to prevent decay. You can also use dental sealants, which can help shield the teeth from decay and bacteria. Sealants are primarily used in children, but adults with healthy oral practices can get them too.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Central Park Dental Care for more information about fluoride treatment and what you can expect during the procedure.
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