Fluoride

USING FLUORIDE TO PROTECT YOUR TEETH

You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit the dentist every six months, but did you know that having fluoride treatments at your dentist and/or rinsing with fluoride at home helps keep your teeth healthy and strong?

Fluoride is a mineral that prevents cavities and tooth decay by coating your teeth and preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth's surface.

In line with our conservative philosophy, we strongly recommend patients consider fluoride applied in-office and at home to prevent decay and hopefully avoid needing more invasive procedures like fillings, crowns, root canals or extractions once decay has developed.

FLUORIDE COMES IN TWO VARIETIES, SYSTEMIC AND TOPICAL:

·         Systemic fluoride is ingested, usually through a public water supply. While teeth are forming under the gums, the fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to cavities.

·         Fluoride can also be applied topically to help prevent caries (cavities) on teeth present in the mouth. It is delivered through toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional fluoride applications.

RECEIVING A FLUORIDE TREATMENT FROM YOUR DENTIST

A fluoride treatment in your dentist's office takes just a few minutes and is a proven method of lowering decay risk. After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor's recommendation, you may have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe an at-home fluoride product such as a mouthwash, gel, or antibacterial rinse. We recommend fluoride varnish for both our adult and child patients based on the results of many studies showing this to be a safe and very effective way to reduce rates of cavities. Below is a link to a review of some of these studies:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK401516/

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLUORIDE TREATMENT

When choosing your own at-home fluoride product (such as toothpaste or mouthwash), always check for the American Dental Association's (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined by the ADA, and approved based on safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth and smile bright with dental fluoride treatments!