Fluoride Treatments for Healthier Teeth

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps protect teeth from all sources of acid. Any acid that is exposed to your teeth, whether it is from bacteria and sugar or from your diet (soda), bulimia or gastric esophageal reflux (GURD) will decalcify and weaken your teeth. Teeth with the appropriate level of fluoride in the enamel can handle more acid before they decalcify and therefore have far fewer cavities.

There are a number of ways we incorporate fluoride into our treatment recommendations.

Fluoride for Children

The greatest benefit of fluoride occurs when it is presented at the correct level in growing children. In this manner it becomes incorporated into the developing tooth and gives a lifelong benefit of lower decay rates. When children do not live in an area with fluoride in the water we recommend testing their drinking water so we can prescribe an appropriate supplement.

Professional Topical Applications

When high concentrations of fluoride (more than you could consume) are applied to a tooth after cleaning, it has the benefit of remineralizing areas of beginning decay.

Over-the-counter Rinses for Adults

While not as potent as the professional topical application, when done on a daily basis, fluoride rinses benefit the teeth through remineralization. Rinses are not recommended for children. If they swallow it, their increased daily dose could lead to discoloration of their developing permanent teeth.

Customized Fluoride Trays

Customized fluoride trays allow for daily at-home professional quality treatment. Especially helpful for adults with a history of lots of cavities, lots of demineralized white spots or with teeth with exposed roots. The trays fit snuggly over the teeth ensuring the fluoride is exposed to all areas on the teeth. This allows for the highest concentration of fluoride on a daily basis, providing the greatest amount of decay prevention. Studies have shown up to an 80 percent reduction in adult cavities!

For more information or to have your teeth evaluated for decay or possible fluoride treatments, contact us today or request an appointment online.