Fluoride Treatment: Benefits, Side Effects, Recommendations

Fluoride is a mineral found in the saliva that helps to strengthen teeth and prevent them from decay. Decay is caused by acids that wear out the teeth' enamel in a process called demineralization. Fluoride restores the lost enamel through remineralization by adding minerals which strengthens the surface of the cavities.

Benefits of Fluoride

Fluoride enters children's bloodstream when they drink and eat it in small doses, making it a part of their developing teeth. This benefits the children who get exposed to fluoride at an early stage to be less likely to develop cavities. Also, fluoride becomes part of the saliva from the foods and drinks that we ingest. It strengthens the cavities and reduces plaque by penetrating the surfaces that are eroded by the acids.

Where to Find Fluoride

The sources of fluoride are in our diet or other substitutes which include;

Water: Fluoride is naturally present in water, but water suppliers regularly add drinking water with portions of the mineral. This usually benefits individuals who manage without regular dental care.

Toothpaste: Most dental cleaning products contain fluoride, whereas toothpaste has a large amount. 

Rinses: The fluoride levels found in rinses are applied as treatments and are effective when absorbed from the surface of the enamel.

Professional Fluoride Treatments

When dental plaque breaks down the enamel, harmful bacteria gain access to the nerves, which results in infections at the roots of the tooth. In this situation, dentists recommend the application of fluoride gels, rinses, and varnishes on the tooth which prevents further tooth decay in both children and adults

Also, your dentist or pediatrician can prescribe some fluoride supplement tablets. This treatment contains higher fluoride levels than those seen in regular water and toothpaste. Your dentist will prescribe the required dosage to prevent toxicity in the body.

Conclusion

At Schroeder and Schroeder Dentistry, we welcome all new patients to our professional dental care services. We care for our patients in the same way we treat our staff members and families.

If you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, please contact us, and we will schedule an appointment for you. We will provide you with comprehensive dental care and the correct treatment.