(559) 875-7980Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in food and water that has many key uses in dentistry. Once the connection of cavity-resistant teeth and fluoride was established decades ago, it was not long before public health officials decided to add fluoride to water supplies to help maintain good teeth. This realization made dentistry a prevention-oriented profession as dentists could encourage fluoridation of local water supplies and, later, offer special fluoride treatments to patients.
At H.S. Mann Dentistry, we offer fluoride treatments for your teeth that can help keep them healthy. These treatments are an important way to improve overall oral health.
What Can Fluoride Do?
Exposure to good amounts of fluoride is important to both adults and children, even unborn children. Fluoride can:
- Strengthen tooth enamel (the outermost part of teeth), making teeth more resistant to decay
- Slow down the process of tooth enamel demineralization
- Prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria
- Reduce acid production by mouth bacteria that can reduce acid damage to tooth enamel
- Reverse early tooth decay through remineralization of tooth enamel
- Make plaque easier to remove by helping teeth develop with shallower grooves
Too much fluoride can harm bone and teeth, but you are not at risk of toxic fluoride levels from toothpaste and mouth rinses. The extra boost from special fluoride rinses or gels used in dentists’ offices is also safe.
How Does Fluoride Work?
Your tooth enamel gains and loses minerals daily. Acids formed by the bacteria in plaque attack your enamel to cause demineralization. Exposure to minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate helps remineralize tooth enamel. Your teeth must stay ahead of demineralization to keep cavities from forming, so they depend on fluoride and other minerals in water and foods to help.
Topical fluoride from water, foods, and fluoride treatments strengthens the outer surface of teeth. It seeps into the enamel to help strengthen it, leaving it less likely to develop decay.
Systemic fluoride from the water and foods we eat also strengthens teeth. It can be especially important for teeth still developing under the gum line.
Should You Have a Fluoride Treatment?
We suggest every patient consider getting a fluoride treatment in Sanger at their biannual checkups and teeth cleaning appointments. It is especially important if you have:
- Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth
- Exposed sensitive root surfaces
- Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
- Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
- Inadequate exposure to fluoride through water and foods
- Decreased saliva flow due to medical conditions or medications
- Recent history of dental decay
A fluoride treatment cannot completely stop tooth decay, but it is an important part of overall tooth care. You should still brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss regularly, and reduce sugary snacks.
Consider Fluoride Treatments in Sanger for Better Oral Health
The next time you make an appointment for a dental checkup, ask whether fluoride treatment of your teeth is a good idea for you. Your dental hygienist and dentist will be able to answer your questions and discuss options.