Fluoride treatment is a safe, easy, and effective way to strengthen your teeth and prevent pesky cavities! If you’re interested in gaining an extra line of defense against tooth decay, consider getting fluoride treatment at Dentist of Long Beach.
Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in rocks, soil, and even some foods and water – it’s the simplest ionic form of the trace element fluorine! When fluoride is applied to the teeth, it strengthens the enamel and can even reverse early decay.
Every day, your teeth are engaged in a constant battle between the processes of demineralization (losing minerals) and remineralization (gaining minerals). The former happens when you consume carbohydrates like sugar – which in turn feed acid-releasing bacteria that attack your tooth’s hard surface layer of enamel, causing it to lose precious minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate and slowly wear away. Remineralization is when these crucial minerals are redeposited whenever you eat or drink substances containing them. If there’s too much demineralization without enough remineralization happening to repair your tooth enamel, your teeth will decay.
Fluoride works like a power-up for your teeth, making the enamel more resistant to the acids released by plaque bacteria and sugar. It can even speed up the remineralization process and disrupt acid production! While it can’t actually repair tooth tissue that’s already been lost, it significantly strengthens the existing layer of enamel. According to the American Dental Association, it can prevent tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults!
Fluoride treatment is a quick, painless process that normally takes place after a routine cleaning is finished. A hygienist will use a swab or brush to apply concentrated fluoride to your teeth for a certain period of time – usually in the form of a gel or foam, though it can also feel like a varnish or mouthwash. After the treatment is finished, you should refrain from eating or drinking for approximately 30 minutes so your teeth can fully absorb the fluoride.
Fluoride treatment is an excellent option for both children and adults who are at a higher risk for cavities or simply want stronger tooth enamel! While fluoride is already present in smaller levels in the water supply as well as many commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes, getting a professional fluoride treatment at Dentist of Long Beach will allow us to administer a more concentrated amount of fluoride in a safely controlled environment.
Fluoride treatment is especially effective for ensuring long-term oral health in infants and children – the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that fluoride varnish should be applied to a child’s teeth starting from when their first tooth erupts through age five.
As with any substance, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing, and fluoride is no different. Fluorosis, or fluoride overexposure before the age of eight (i.e. while permanent teeth are still forming), can cause mild discoloration of the teeth. However, you can prevent this by making sure your child uses only the recommended amount of toothpaste – only about a smear on the brush if under three years, and a pea-sized portion if over three years – and refraining from mouthwash usage before six years of age. If you have any questions and/or concerns about whether fluoride treatment is right for you and your family, don’t hesitate to contact us!
At approximately $10 to $30 per treatment, fluoride treatment is one of the most affordable ways to maintain your oral health! Additionally, your dental insurance will likely cover some – if not all – of the cost of fluoride treatment as part of a routine cleaning.
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Want to know more about the safe, convenient, and effective fluoride treatments we offer for the whole family at Dentist of Long Beach? Call us at (562) 373-0026 today!
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