You get a fluoride treatment at almost, if not all, every dental checkup you attend at Charvet Dental. Before you visited us for the first time, your previous dental provider used fluoride rinses on you as well. There is probably even fluoride in your toothpaste or mouthwash!
You might wonder, “What is fluoride?” The American Dental Association calls fluoride “nature’s natural cavity fighter.” Now, you might wonder, “What’s the big deal?” Well, we’re excited to tell you!
Advantages of Fluoride
Think of fluoride as a vitamin for your teeth. Vitamins help your bones, hair, skin, nails, and other parts of the body thrive and function properly. Let’s take a look at just some of the ways you and your family can benefit from fluoride treatment.
Protects Your Enamel
Tooth decay is what happens when bacteria combined with sugar create an acid that erodes your enamel and causes cavities and other issues. If left untreated, those cavities could worsen and produce pain or infection that may lead to tooth loss! Essentially, fluoride is a mineral that fortifies the teeth to prevent and reverse tooth decay.
To protect the enamel, fluoride prevents and stops demineralization, which is the breaking down of crucial phosphate and calcium minerals in the teeth. This process allows the acid in the mouth to reach the dentin layer directly below the enamel. That’s how cavities start!
Fluoride then strengthens the enamel through the process of remineralization. The result of the remineralization process is much more resistant to acid than what it replaced.
In young children, consistent exposure to fluoride (in appropriate amounts) can help them develop enamel that is less likely to be initially damaged by acid.
Natural
We know dental care can be intimidating, so we’re happy to report that fluoride has no harsh chemicals, suspicious-looking ingredients that you can’t pronounce, or harmful side effects to intimidate you! Fluoride is not made in a laboratory by someone wearing a white coat. It’s a naturally occurring mineral, so you and your family can receive safe and effective oral healthcare.
Saves You Money
Tooth decay can cause severe issues beyond bad breath and a potentially undesirable appearance. Cavities, pain, infection, gum disease, abscesses, and more! It is necessary to repair these concerns as soon as possible, but it can be pricey! Besides dental anxiety, expensive dental procedures are another reason a person’s oral health might decline. If you received an estimate you could not afford, you are likely to avoid the dentist, which can make that bill rack up even more if the condition(s) worsen(s) over time! Fluoride treatment is one of the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and avoid breaking the bank!
Readily Accessible Dental Care
Everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile. For those who are unable to get professional dental treatment for whatever reason, fluoride products and fluoride-enhanced water offer an easily attainable and cost-effective way to protect the teeth and reverse the beginnings of tooth decay.
Disadvantages of Fluoride
Like with most things, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Overexposure to fluoride in children can cause fluorosis, a condition that creates white spots in the enamel. More severe cases can cause darker stains or surface irregularities, but the good news is that this condition is only cosmetic and does not affect the function or health of the teeth! Depending on the severity of the discoloration, it could be fixable with professional teeth whitening services or veneers.
Who should get fluoride treatment?
The amount of fluoride you need will vary from person to person, but everyone benefits from fluoride treatment! Those who might be particularly interested in fluoride treatments are people who like snacking, have inconsistent oral hygiene, limited access to oral healthcare, have sugary diets, have had previous dental work done, or have a personal or familial history of tooth decay.
Come to Charvet Dental for personalized care.
Come to Charvet Dental for personalized care.Every patient has unique dental needs. Charvet Dental takes pride in providing custom dental treatment plans to every member of your family.
We also know that excellent care starts with quality information. For you to feel safe, comfortable, and confident during your experience with us, we will make sure to supply you with all the facts so you may make informed decisions about your and your family’s care.
If you have more questions about in-office fluoride use or want to know what products to use at home, please contact our office to book an appointment with one of our professional and highly skilled dentists.