A family dentist might recommend fluoride treatments for patients with decayed or sensitive teeth. These treatments can reverse the demineralization stage of gum disease and strengthen enamel, protecting teeth from decay for up to six months. Fluoride treatments are often performed after teeth cleanings to protect patients until their next routine appointment.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in teeth. It makes up teeth enamel, the strongest part of the body. Fluoride helps keep enamel strong, which protects teeth from decay. It also helps reduce the buildup of bacteria on teeth surfaces and gums.
Fluoride is added to public water systems in most developed countries to protect the population against tooth decay. According to American Dental Association, the practice effectively combats tooth decay.
Fluoride treatments are non-invasive procedures that can be completed in a few minutes. The fluoride product used might be a gel or foam poured on a mouth tray, or the family dentist might paint a varnish-like product on the patient's teeth. Patients might also be given a concentrated mouthwash that they swish around their mouths for a minute. The most commonly used method is adding the product to a mouth tray and having the patient bite down on it for a few minutes.
How often a patient needs fluoride treatments is based on factors like their overall dental health. Patients with a high risk of developing cavities might need these treatments every three months. People who are not as vulnerable to decay might only have to get the treatment every six to 12 months.
Several fluoride varnish products are currently on the market. Each product has a different formulation of minerals and serves a specific purpose. A dental provider can determine which type of varnish suits each patient. The dentist will consider the patient's age, dental history, and lifestyle. If necessary, they will also determine which varnish works with their braces or other dental appliances.
Fluoride plays an important role in cavity prevention. Additionally, brushing and flossing are not always enough. Some patients may have a genetic tendency toward weak enamel and are at high risk for cavities, even with good dental hygiene. Fluoride helps to protect their teeth against decay. Tooth decay is linked to certain types of mouth bacteria. These bacteria feed off sugar and carbohydrates. As they break down sugars, they produce an acid that damages tooth enamel. Damaged enamel often leads to cavities, infections, and other dental troubles.
Fluoride strengthens enamel and slows bacterial growth. It may even help to slow or reverse existing decay. Dentists can also provide fluoride-based treatments. For example, the dentist may apply a fluoride gel during routine checkups and cleanings. This professional-grade treatment can help reduce a patient's risk of cavities.
The benefits of fluoride treatments include:
Re-mineralizing teeth enamel damaged by decay
Reducing the increased teeth sensitivity that occurs after teeth whitening treatments
Preventing cavities from expanding
While fluoride treatments provide a handful of benefits, a few drawbacks are primarily associated with overexposure. These include bone structures in the mouth becoming weak, white specs forming on teeth, and pits forming on teeth.
Fluoride treatments are one of many ways to give teeth the fluoride they need to be strong and healthy. For example, most toothpastes contain fluoride; the same goes for mouth rinses. In addition, family dentists recommend using oral hygiene products that contain fluoride to protect teeth from decay between routine appointments. However, patients should not swallow products containing fluoride since that can lead to excess fluoride.
A treated patient might be instructed to avoid food or drinks for 30 minutes after the procedure. After half an hour, patients can usually resume their normal diet. The dental team may suggest waiting a full day before eating hot, sticky, or crunchy foods. The provider might also recommend waiting four to 12 hours before brushing the teeth. Patients who follow these instructions enjoy improved treatment results.
Fluoride has been used in dentistry for more than 60 years. Studies have shown that fluoride is safe and effective for most patients. A family dentist can provide more information if you have concerns about fluoride treatments.
Fluoride is an essential mineral that your teeth need to be healthy. It helps reverse the early stages of tooth decay, and it can prevent cavities from expanding. Give us a call (239) 963-2325 or stop by our Naples clinic to learn more about how fluoride treatments protect your dental health.
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