Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral compound proven to prevent tooth decay by making your teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride dental treatment is a painless, simple procedure and only takes a few minutes to complete. Fluoride can be used in the form of fluoride varnish for adults.
Be sure to talk to our dentist near you at Confident Smile Dentistry when considering this treatment. We conduct comprehensive teeth and oral cavity examinations to determine if fluoride treatment is suitable for you.
We also offer various general and cosmetic dental procedures. For example, dental fillings, tooth sealants, endodontics, and root canal therapy are some of the general procedures you’ll get at our dental clinic.
If you experience frequent tooth decay and want to help fight them, please consult our emergency dentist near you to get fluoride treatment and dental sealants.
We are happy to answer any questions you have about our fluoride treatment.
Who Needs Fluoride Treatment the Most?
Although we get fluoride from food and water, sometimes, this is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist may recommend professional and home fluoride treatment procedures or fluoride varnish for adults for the following reasons:
- If you have a history of dental decay
- When you are using crowns, or fillings
- If you consume carbohydrates and sugar frequently
- When you have poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- When your tooth root surface is exposed or sensitive
- Due to inadequate intake of fluoride
- Presence of fissures and deep pits in your chewing surface
- When you have a dry mouth due to medications, illness, or treatment
Types of Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is the most effective mineral that is used to help prevent tooth decay. It is naturally present in different amounts in the food and water supplies we consume. The benefits of fluoride are clinically known, and sometimes it takes a medical professional to prescribe fluoride treatment.
There are two main types of fluoride treatment. Each is explained below.
- Topical treatment
This formula is applied directly to your teeth, and it is in the form of a gel or foam. It is also applied by using a tray containing a fluoride treatment agent, which is put in your mouth for some time.
Once the tooth erupts, localized fluoride will aid in strengthening the tooth by penetrating the outer surface of the enamel, making the tooth more resistant to decay. Topical fluoride is obtained through the use of dental products that contain fluorides such as mouthwash, toothpaste, and gel. It is recommended that children undergo professional fluoride applications at least twice a year during dental examinations.
- Systematic treatment
Systemic fluoride helps in strengthening baby teeth that have erupted and the teeth that are still developing beneath the gums. We get systemic fluoride from most foods and community water supplies. This fluoride treatment also comes in the form of a fluoride-rich drink or food supplement where they strengthen the teeth from the inside after ingesting the supplements. This is a very effective method for children.
Usually, it is recommended that infants use fluoride drops; tablets are suitable for children in their teenage years. It is very important to monitor the amount of fluoride ingested by children. If too much fluoride is ingested during tooth development, it may cause fluorosis, and these are white dots on the tooth’s surface.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
Drinking water and other oral hygiene-related products contain fluoride, and this is due to its proven effectiveness in strengthening the tooth enamel. Fluoride is naturally found in water and food. Its role is to remineralize your tooth enamel. Thus, it strengthens your teeth and helps fight tooth decay.
Getting regular fluoride treatment near you is recommended to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
It is important to practice good dental hygiene habits at home and regular dental exams and cleaning. This will keep your teeth strong.
The fluoride treatment provided by the dentist is more effective than any gel, mouthwash or toothpaste, you buy over the counter. If your teeth are susceptible to tooth decay and damage, having a fluoride treatment is the best option. Visit our dentist in Pinellas Park, FL, to learn more about our fluoride treatment options and what you can do to improve and restore health and strengthen your teeth.