In general dentistry, fluoride treatments are common. Fluoride is a mineral found in bones and teeth, as well as water, plants, soil, rocks, and air. When used by dentists, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. Therefore, dentists generally use fluoride as a preventative treatment against cavities. Additionally, fluoride can be found in most public water supplies. In communities where fluoride cannot be added to the water, professionals can add it to milk or salt to help reduce the chance of cavity development.
Patients who want to take steps to prevent tooth decay have the option of fluoridated toothpaste, mouth rinses, foams, and varnishes. Periodic fluoride treatments can be provided in a general dentistry office. Most patients benefit from a treatment every six to 12 months. However, for those who have a high risk of cavities, more appointments may be preferable.
Dental plaque is a sticky film that may build upon a patient's teeth over time. The plaque builds up due to sugar and starch consumption and poor brushing habits. As bacteria feed on the sugar, plaque forms. If the plaque remains on the teeth, it hardens into tartar and shields the bacteria. In addition, the acid within the plaque removes the minerals in the other enamel and can develop into cavities.
Fluoride protects the teeth from bacteria. Tooth enamel is less vulnerable to acid when treated with fluoride. Additionally, in the early stages of decay, fluoride can repair tooth decay. It brings calcium and phosphate ions together and speeds up the formation of a new surface.
All people are prone to tooth decay. However, some younger children may be more vulnerable because they rely on their parents to maintain their developing teeth. Additionally, children have weaker teeth, and to establish a long life of good oral health habits, the habits should be introduced early on. Fluoride exposure protects a child's teeth from decay and protects the development of permanent teeth.
In adulthood, fluoride continues to protect a patient's teeth. Fluoride supplements and other treatments can benefit adults for patients with gum disease, dry mouth, or frequent cavities. When fluoride interacts with the teeth, it forms a material called fluorapatite.
Fluoride has enough research behind it for the dental community to trust it. For 70 years, fluoridation has proved safe and effective. Fortifying food or water with fluoride is safe and no different than fortifying other foods and beverages with vitamins and nutrients. Patients could find fluoride naturally in oceans and groundwater, so adding it to the water supply is harmless and beneficial to those who consume it.
Children and adults of all ages can benefit from the use of fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that may strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. Fluoride treatments come in a variety of options. For example, patients may choose to have a foam or gel applied to their teeth or choose a toothpaste with fluoride added from a general dentistry office.
Request an appointment here: https://myfresnodentist.net or call Complete Dental at (559) 549-6879 for an appointment in our Fresno office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Fresno, CA.
People all over the country suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, but many fail to seek TMJ treatment. Far from being a minor nuisance, this condition can be easily aggravated by many daily activities and can cause multiple complications if left untreated. Here are just a few consequences of ignoring symptoms of this disorder and allowing…
Are you looking for more information about denture adhesives? When you need to wear dentures so you can achieve good oral health, it is important to understand everything there is to know about dentures, including proper denture care. Denture care also includes potentially wearing denture adhesives.According to the Food and Drug Administration, in most cases,…
The temporomandibular joint of the jaw connects the bone to the skull and is responsible for movements of the jaw.Temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly called TMJ, cause pain in this jaw’s joint and the surrounding muscles that are responsible for movement and function. The cause of most TMJ disorders is often unknown but can be related…
If a dental patient has pain in the jaw, neck, or face, a case of TMJ may be suspected. Self-diagnosing is not wise in most dental cases, but with TMJ, a patient should visit a dentist as soon as possible and exercise caution before purchasing over-the-counter devices to remedy the problem.In many instances, over-the-counter products…
People all over the country suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, but many fail to seek TMJ treatment. Far from being a minor nuisance, this condition can be easily aggravated by many daily activities and can cause multiple complications if left untreated. Here are just a few consequences of ignoring symptoms of this disorder and allowing…
Are you looking for more information about denture adhesives? When you need to wear dentures so you can achieve good oral health, it is important to understand everything there is to know about dentures, including proper denture care. Denture care also includes potentially wearing denture adhesives.According to the Food and Drug Administration, in most cases,…