Who Can Benefit from Fluoride Treatment

Your yearly dental checkup plays a vital role in your dental health. Your dentist or hygienist will first clean your teeth thoroughly and remove any plaque or tartar accumulation, and then he or she will perform a detailed exam. During this exam, your dentist will note any areas of concern, which may include symptoms of dental disease, damaged or loose restorations, and other potential dental health concerns. Your dentist may also suggest taking certain preventive measures such as fluoride treatments.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in the Earth's crust and in some water sources. Some foods, such as eggs, meat and tea, also contain fluoride, and some municipalities add fluoride to their public water supplies. Fluoride strengthens teeth and can help protect them against tooth deterioration.

The outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, is made of mineral crystals, some of which are lost every day. Demineralization happens as a result of bacteria in our mouths. These bacteria live in plaque, a colorless, sticky substance that tends to form along the gumline and between teeth. The re-mineralization process builds the crystals back up by adding calcium, phosphate and fluoride back into your teeth. If the process is not balanced and more minerals are lost than are restored, small, soft areas can develop on the teeth, which marks the beginning of a cavity. If the areas are not treated, they can decay even further and create more serious dental issues.

Fluoride treatments can speed the re-mineralization process. They can also act as a barrier to bacteria, preventing them from producing the acids that damage the enamel. You may take advantage of fluoride in several ways. Using fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse is one of the most common methods to use fluoride.

Drinking fluoridated water is another common way to benefit from fluoride. Your dentist may advise additional fluoride treatments at your dental checkup, as well. Any person who is at high risk for tooth deterioration may be advised to have fluoride treatments. This includes kids, individuals with poor brushing habits, those with poor dietary habits, individuals with a history of cavities, and those who suffer from some health conditions or who take certain drugs.

In-office fluoride treatments have a higher concentration of fluoride than products meant for home use. Your teeth should be cleaned and polished before the treatment, after which your dentist will apply a gel, foam, or varnish fluoride treatment in a mouth tray. The fluoride must maintain contact on your teeth for a specific time before removal. In-office fluoride treatments are very powerful and should never be swallowed. If children are prescribed oral fluoride drops, their dosage should be carefully monitored and given exactly as directed. When used properly, fluoride has been found to be a safe and effective treatment against cavities.

Visit WilshireDentalCare.com, multi-specialty dental center for more information about fluoride treatment. Our Los Angeles preventive dentist, Dr. Afar can provide you with more information as well.