Fluoride is an especially important mineral for your teeth. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t produce fluoride naturally, so it is important to ensure that we are consuming it in our diet. Fluoride helps to replenish and remineralize your teeth and can help counteract the effects of acid erosion and tooth decay.
Are you getting enough fluoride?
The primary source of fluoride for most Americans in the past was the municipal water supply. Unfortunately, with many Americans now drinking bottled water or excessively filtering their tap water, many adults and children are no longer receiving adequate amounts of fluoride. Without receiving professional fluoride treatments, the only source of this important mineral for many is their toothpaste or mouth rinse. This isn’t enough to keep teeth strong and protected.
That is why our office offers professional fluoride treatments that can be administered quickly. A gel, foam, or varnish can be applied to the teeth in order to protect them from bacteria growth, acid erosion, and other dental health issues. If you are especially fluoride deficient or need extra fluoride for some reason, you may even be prescribed a liquid or tablet treatment to take daily.
Who needs professional fluoride treatments?
Almost anyone can benefit from professional fluoride treatments, however, they are especially important for young children. The teeth in children who are younger than 16 are still developing and erupting, and it during this time when the teeth will benefit the most from professional treatments.
Though any adult can benefit from a professional fluoride treatment, adults who have been diagnosed with certain medical or dental issues may need to be especially careful to receive professional treatments. This includes diagnoses of:
- Dry mouth – in a patient with dry mouth, the salivary glands produce less liquid than they should. This lack of saliva makes more difficult for the body to naturally rinse away food particles and provides an especially friendly environment for harmful bacteria to stick to the teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. This can lead to a number of harmful dental issues.
- Periodontal disease – gum recession is common with periodontal disease, which exposes more of the tooth’s surface. This gives plaque and bacteria more area to cover and can lead to increased chances of tooth decay.
- Frequent cavities – some patients are simply more prone to cavities, due to their genetics. If you usually have a cavity once every two years or more, you will likely benefit from professional fluoride treatment.
- Dental restorations – some dental restorations can trap food particles or deposits underneath them, allowing for a greater chance of tooth decay in the restored tooth and in the surrounding teeth. Receiving professional fluoride treatments can help prevent this from happening and keep your teeth healthy.
If you are concerned that you are not getting enough fluoride in your diet, or if you would like to know if you might benefit from a professional fluoride treatment, call our office today for a consultation. Our dentist will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you choose which fluoride option will be best for your situation. In most cases, a professional treatment takes less than 15 minutes, though supplements may also be prescribed if you cannot make it into our office as often as necessary.
