How Is a Fluoride Treatment Done?

Our teeth are susceptible to tooth decay and tooth cavities. This is why fluoride treatment in Colonia, NJ is essential. Fluoride is a crucial mineral for our teeth as it reverses tooth decay and solidifies your tooth enamel. By making your tooth’s enamel strong, it becomes more resistant to cavities as harmful bacteria cannot penetrate beyond it. There are different sources of fluoride, like the water we usually drink and fluoridated toothpaste.

Additionally, a dental fluoride treatment may also be performed by the fluoride dentist to protect prone teeth from tooth decay and cavities. So, how is this procedure performed? We’ll take you through the procedure and the benefits of opting for fluoride treatment.

What Happens During Professional Fluoride Treatment?

It is essential to know that professional fluoride treatment involves the application of fluoride, more than is contained in drinking water or toothpaste. There are different modes of performing professional fluoride treatment for teeth. Some of the methods include:

• Fluoride varnish- this method involves the dentist applying fluoride on your teeth left on the surface of your teeth for some time. Leaving the fluoride on your teeth’s surface for some time ensures that your teeth absorb it.
• Fluoride gel or foam- the fluoride is in the form of gel, which is applied on your teeth and left for a few minutes before rinsing.
• Fluoride supplements- this treatment method involves the administration of a tablet which you will chew or suck before swallowing it. The supplements can also be found in liquid form, which the dentist will instruct you to swish before swallowing.
• Fluoride mouth rinses- as the name indicates, this treatment involves taking a concentrated solution that you swish around your teeth as instructed. You will go for this treatment weekly.

How Much Fluoride Do You Need?

Too much of anything is harmful, and the same applies to the use of fluoride. Dentists recommend going for professional fluoride treatment every 3, 6, or 12 months. The number of times you should go for the treatment depends on the condition of your teeth, their susceptibility to decay and cavities, and overall oral health.

Most people get enough fluoride from drinking water, supplements, and food. These are the recommended daily amounts of fluoride:

• Adolescents and adults: 1.5 to 4 mg.
• Children between 7 to 10 years: 1.5 to 2.5 mg.
• Children between 4 to 6 years: 1 to 2.5 mg.
• Birth to 3 years of age: 0.1 to 1.5 mg.

So, what can make you more susceptible to cavities? Here are some of the causes:

• Weak enamel.
• Dry mouth or decreased saliva levels.
• Poor diet.
• Lack of routine dental checkups.
• Poor oral hygiene.
• Eating disorder.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol.

What Are the Benefits of Fluoride?

• Protects your tooth’s enamel- one of the main benefits of fluoride is that it protects the enamel. So, why do your teeth need protection? Consumption of acidic foods and drinks can lead to the gradual weakening of the enamel. This deterioration makes your teeth more sensitive to hot or cold beverages. Tooth sensitivity can make it hard for you to enjoy your life as it creates an unpleasant sensation whenever you drink hot or cold beverages. Therefore, fluoride protects your enamel to prevent breakage, strengthen it, and reduce sensitivity.
• Prevents tooth decay and cavities- our mouths naturally contain bacteria. However, harmful bacteria combine with sugar from our foods and drinks and food debris, leading to decay. As the decay progresses, it erodes your teeth, creating holes called cavities. Fluoride treatment strengthens the enamel reversing the effects of tooth decay and preventing future cavities.
• Remineralizes your teeth- other than damaging your tooth’s enamel, the acid also destroys minerals in your teeth. Some of the minerals destroyed include phosphorus and calcium, which are crucial for the health of your teeth. The good news is that fluoride treatment helps restore these minerals for the maintenance of healthy, strong teeth.
• Saves capital in the long run- You can opt for fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and prevent dental diseases. This will save money in the long run as tooth decay and cavities may require more expensive dental procedures.

Now that you know the benefits of fluoride treatment don’t hesitate to visit Colonia Dental Associates. Our dentist will examine your teeth, identify any oral problem, treat it, and apply fluoride for stronger, healthier teeth.