Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.
Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of home and/or professional fluoride treatments.
Please remember, fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay! Always brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, eat heatlhy meals, reduce sweets, and visit your dentist on a regular check-ups.
Recommended in these cases:
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth's enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth's enamel layer when acids -- formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth -- attack the enamel. Minerals such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate are redeposited (remineralization) to the enamel layer from the foods and waters consumed. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization to repair the enamel layer leads to tooth decay.- Gum disease & infections.
- Inadequate exposure to fluorides.
- Exposed and sensitive root surfaces.
- Dry mouth conditions or inadequate saliva flow due to medical conditions, medical treatments or medications.
- Fair to poor oral hygiene habits.
- History of frequent dental decay.
- Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake.
- Presence of crowns and/or bridges or braces.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.
Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of home and/or professional fluoride treatments.
Please remember, fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay! Always brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, eat heatlhy meals, reduce sweets, and visit your dentist on a regular check-ups.