Everything You Need To Know About Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral that can prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth. Fluoride can also repair teeth that have begun to show signs of tooth decay.
Drinking fluoridated water, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, or rinsing with a fluoride rinse can all help to prevent tooth decay. A topical fluoride treatment, such as a fluoride gel or varnish, can also provide additional protection against tooth decay.
What Are The Benefits of Fluoride For Teeth?
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that can help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride works to remineralize the teeth and prevent demineralization. Demineralization is when acids from plaque and bacteria attack and dissolve the minerals in the teeth that form a protective barrier. Fluoride helps to re-build up the minerals in the teeth.
Fluoride also helps to strengthen tooth enamel, which prevents cavities and decay. It also helps to repair damaged tooth enamel, which can prevent dental fillings. In addition, fluoride can reverse early tooth decay, which can prevent additional damage to the tooth.
In addition to treating tooth decay, fluoride can also help to prevent:
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Dry mouth
- Bad breath
Are Fluoride Treatments Only For Kids?
Fluoride treatments are recommended for children who are between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old. Fluoride helps to reverse the early signs of tooth decay. It also reverses the damage caused by a dental cavity. Children who get fluoride treatments are less likely to have dental cavities. However, fluoride treatment is important for adults, too! The enamel on your teeth becomes thinner as you age, which puts you at an increased risk of developing cavities. Fluoride treatments can help strengthen your teeth, reducing the likelihood of decay.
Is Fluoride Safe For Teeth?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens teeth. However, too much fluoride can be detrimental to dental health. Fluoride treatments are often applied topically as a gel, varnish, or foam. In general, fluoride treatments are safe for teeth, but too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis.
Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition that causes white streaks on the teeth. While some cases of fluorosis are harmless, severe fluorosis can cause tooth discoloration and tooth loss. If you are concerned about the possibility of fluorosis, talk to your dentist before receiving fluoride treatments.
Do I Still Need Fluoride Treatments If I Have My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
Yes, professional cleanings are an excellent tool, but they don’t remove all plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Some plaque and bacteria can still get trapped in hidden crevices and hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Fluoride treatments help strengthen your teeth against acid attacks and prevent tooth decay.
To learn more about fluoride treatments available at Jolly Family Dental, call us at (501) 758-7462, book online, or visit 4601 Fairway Ave, North Little Rock, AR 72116. You can also find us at Jolly Family Dental – West by calling (501) 228-6360 or visiting us at 14309 Cantrell Rd Ste 6, Little Rock, AR 72223.