Fluoride Treatment
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that can be applied to teeth to help prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. Bacteria, sugars and acids constantly attack and demineralize the enamel on your teeth. Fluoride works to remineralize enamel, preventing cavities. Fluoride also strengthens teeth as they develop, making fluoride application extremely important for children as their teeth grow in.
Systemic Fluoride vs Topical Fluoride
- Systemic Fluoride is ingested, normally through the water you drink. While teeth are forming, systemic fluoride is vital to strengthen tooth enamel to provide nice healthy teeth when erupted. Children that do not have fluoride in their water may want to add a fluoride supplement. Talk with Dr. Fisher and your hygienist for more information on the benefits of systemic fluoride.
- Once teeth have erupted, Topical Fluoride becomes very important. Topical Fluoride is applied to your teeth using toothpaste, mouth rinses & professional applications. Although you may still receive small amounts of fluoride through drinking water, topical fluoride is vital for continuous protection from cavities.
Professional Fluoride Applications
Dr. Fisher normally recommends children routinely receive a fluoride treatment with every dental appointment (at least 2x’s a year). Sometimes, with high-risk of decay, he may recommend fluoride treatment more often.
Our team may also recommend a fluoride treatment if an adult patient is at high risk for tooth decay. Patients with dry mouth, root exposure, high levels of plaque or receiving cancer treatment could benefit from fluoride applications. Talk with your Doctor or hygienist if you would like more information on the benefits of fluoride treatments.
