Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel which can reverse and prevent tooth decay. It can also help with tooth sensitivity. Fluoride treatments may be administered during your regular dental checkups.
What are the benefits of fluoride treatments?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in food and water. It’s what gives water its clean, fresh taste and can be found in many foods and drinks, such as apples and milk. It’s also found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other dental products. Professional fluoride treatments boost the fluoride found in tooth enamel, strengthening your teeth and preventing decay.
Fluoride treatments are safe, as they’re only applied to teeth. The compound that strengthens the enamel does not enter the bloodstream. Fluoride treatments can also reverse the earliest stages of tooth decay, making them one of the best ways to prevent cavities.
What are the different types of fluoride treatments?
Fluoride treatment can be done in a few different forms, including:
- Fluoridated toothpaste
- Fluoride rinse
- In-office fluoride treatment
- Fluoride varnish
- Fluoride gel
- Fluoride foam
When are fluoride treatments recommended?
Fluoride treatments are recommended when patients are at risk of tooth decay or cavities. Fluoride treatments can increase the remineralization of tooth enamel to make it more resistant to acid, bacteria, and plaque.
In addition to this, you could try fluoride supplements - which are small, chewable tablets that help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. These supplements are tasteless and odorless, so they’re easy to consume and are great for children who might be resistant to brushing.
Fluoride treatment aftercare
If you are receiving a fluoride treatment, you will want to make sure you care for your teeth properly to avoid losing the benefits of fluoride. When fluoride becomes present in the mouth, it is absorbed into the enamel and dentin of the teeth. While fluoride is in the mouth, it not only acts to replace the minerals that were lost during demineralization but also helps the teeth to resist future demineralization.
However, after fluoride treatment is completed, the fluoride is no longer present in the mouth, and the teeth are no longer experiencing the benefits of fluoride. Due to this, it is imperative that you care for your teeth properly after fluoride treatment is completed.
The teeth will begin demineralizing again if they are exposed to acidic foods or drinks. This means you should avoid drinking beverages like soda or citric fruit juices. You should also avoid eating acidic foods, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, and pickles. You should also avoid brushing your teeth immediately after fluoride treatments. Since the teeth are sensitive after fluoride treatments, brushing can cause the enamel of the teeth to become damaged. Instead, you can rinse your mouth out with water.
To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice by Dr. Lindbeck, call (760)-747-3988 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist in Escondido, CA at 661 E Grand Ave, Escondido 92025.