Things To Know About Fluoride Treatment At Dental Office

If you have been visiting the pediatric dentist regularly, you probably have heard about fluoride. Most dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste and getting professional fluoride treatments near you. But, what is fluoride, and why is it important? Here is what you need to know:

• Fluoride is a Naturally-Occurring Mineral

Fluoride is found in rocks, soil, water, and food on the earth’s surface. It is reported as the 13th most abundant mineral. It appears in groundwater at different levels, which explains why some places have too much or little fluoride in the drinking water.

• Fluoride Treatments Are Important

Professional fluoride treatments contain high fluoride concentrations, and the dentist applies them to the teeth to reduce the risk of cavities. These professional treatments are available in solution, foam, gel, or varnish. Because of the higher doses of fluoride, these treatments offer immediate benefits compared to fluoride toothpaste and other dental products.

Fluoride treatments offer several benefits: strengthening the teeth, making the enamel less vulnerable to bacteria, and slowing or reversing cavities. And preventing and slowing the growth of bacteria can prevent gum disease, tooth pain, and premature loss of teeth.

The professional treatments are done in a couple of minutes. The dentist will apply a gel, foam, or solution to the teeth and leave it for a few minutes for the teeth to absorb the fluoride. You are advised not to eat after the fluoride treatments to let the teeth soak in the minerals. The varnish stays for longer and can be rinsed off in a couple of hours.

• Fluoride Strengthens Enamel, Preventing Cavities

Our teeth go through demineralization every day, which strips out calcium and phosphate. The loss of these minerals weakens the enamel and makes it vulnerable to acid and bacteria attacks.

However, when the enamel is supplied with fluoride in the saliva, it can reverse the demineralization and absorb the lost minerals. This remineralizes the enamel and makes it stronger to fight bacteria.

Furthermore, fluoride helps to neutralize the acidity in the mouth, reducing its attacks on the enamel.

• Fluoride Treatments Are Not Only For Preventing Cavities

Although fluoride treatment in Bloomfield, CT, is recommended for kids, adults can benefit. Fluoride is ideal for people at risk of developing cavities. However, there are times when the dentist may recommend getting fluoride treatments like:

• Dry mouth. Saliva cleans the food particles and keeps them from accumulating in the gum line. Furthermore, it supplies the teeth with the essential minerals to strengthen the enamel. However, having a dry mouth puts you at risk of developing cavities and decay.
• Gum disease exposes the teeth to bacteria, increasing your dental cavities and decay risk. Fluoride treatment will help protect the teeth and reverse the mild cavities.
• Dental restorations like bridges and crowns put you at risk of decay. Food particles and bacteria can sneak in through the spaces between the teeth, increasing the risk of decay.

• Professional Treatments Are Safe

The dosage of fluoride is stronger and offers immediate benefits. This dosage would be dangerous if used at home daily. There have been controversies about the safety of the treatments, with people claiming it is poisonous. But, the professional treatments are safe and effective and do not cause any harm to the teeth.

However, an overdose of fluoride supplements or fluoridated water can cause fluorosis. This leads to discoloration, nausea and diarrhea, and weakening of the bones. It is recommended to take the fluoride as instructed by a pediatric dentist in Bloomfield, CT.

What Other Preventive Dental Treatments Can You Use?

Fluoride treatments are an effective preventive procedure, but they work better when combined with other measures like getting a professional cleaning. The dentist can remove any accumulated plaques on the teeth and gum line. During the cleaning, a comprehensive examination is done to check the condition of the teeth.

You can consider getting dental sealants for your child to shield the teeth from bacteria and prevent premature loss.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Bloomfield Pediatric Dentistry for more information about fluoride treatments and what you can expect.