What is a Fluoride Treatment and why do I need it?

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Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that makes teeth strong and prevents cavities. Studies show that people who take fluoridated water have lower chances of tooth decay.

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Fluoride treatments offer some significant benefits to protect teeth. These fluoride treatments can benefit people at risk of experiencing tooth decay but may not be suitable for everyone. Cavities occur when bacteria in food remains build up on your gums and teeth and form a sticky layer called plaque. Plaque releases an acid that erodes the teeth and gum tissue. If the bacteria breaks down the enamel layer, it may infect and cause harm to the nerves and blood vessels.

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The in-office treatments used by your dentist at our fluoride treatments near you may take the form of a gel, solution, varnish, or foam. Your dentist will apply the treatment using a brush, tray, mouthwash, or a swab.

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These fluoride treatments have much more fluoride than in your toothpaste or water. Therefore, it does not take so much time to apply. However, your doctor may ask you to avoid drinking or eating 30 minutes after the treatment for your teeth to absorb the fluoride completely.

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The Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment has several benefits for the teeth:

• It helps the body to utilize minerals such as phosphate and calcium. The teeth reabsorb these minerals, thus repairing the weak tooth enamel.

• Fluoride joins the tooth structure when your teeth develop, thus strengthening the teeth’ enamel, making them less susceptible to bacteria and cavities.

• It slows and may even reverse the development of decays and cavities by harming the bacteria which causes the cavities.

• There’s reduced risk of cavities

• Fluoride prolongs the life of baby teeth

• It delays the need for expensive dental work

• Fluoride treatment also reduces tooth pain, prevents gum disease, and prevents the loss of teeth.

• Fluoride treatment improves oral health and overall health as poor oral health can increase the cases of other health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases.