Regular fluoride treatments can significantly improve the strength and appearance of your teeth. For this reason, they are an important step in preventive dentistry care for both children and adults. But patients often ask: how do fluoride treatments work? In this article, we talk about the mechanics and benefits of this procedure.

How Do Fluoride Treatments Work?

You can find fluoride in a lot of dental products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Also, there are professional fluoride treatments available at your dental office. Fluoride is widely used in dentistry because it is effective at strengthening the enamel of your teeth and preventing cavities.

Our teeth have enamel, a barrier that prevents bacteria from penetrating inside the tooth, destroying its structure. Fluoride treatments remineralize the enamel of your teeth and restore calcium within the enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to bacteria. Fluoride can also restrain bacterial growth in the mouth—the main cause of tooth decay. Thus, your teeth are less likely to develop cavities.

Who Can Benefit From Fluoride Treatments?

The answer to this question is simple: everyone can benefit from regular fluoride treatments. Fluoride helps children develop stronger and more resistant enamel for life and helps adults to maintain their oral health.

In addition, fluoride treatments can be an important part of treating gum recession, as they help protect the tooth roots that become exposed due to this issue. Also, fluoride is crucial for patients with general health medical conditions that can undermine the strength of their teeth.

How Does the Procedure of Fluoride Treatment Look?

The procedure of professional fluoride treatment is quick and painless. Your dentist will apply a fluoride solution to your teeth, and then you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for about an hour to let the fluoride penetrate the enamel of your teeth.

It is recommended to have a professional dental cleaning before the fluoride treatment. During the cleaning, your dentist will remove food residue, plaque, and tartar from your teeth, which will allow fluoride to more effectively penetrate the enamel.

Types of Fluoride Treatments

There are several formats in which fluoride can be used at a dental office:

Regardless of the method employed, professional fluoride solutions are more potent and effective compared to over-the-counter products. It is recommended to have professional fluoride treatments along with dental cleanings every 6 months to enjoy the full benefits of these preventive dentistry measures.

Over-the-counter Fluoride Products

Even though over-the-counter solutions are less potent than professional treatments, it does not mean that they are not effective. They work best as supporting measures in between professional treatments. Over-the-counter fluoride is available in several formats:

In addition, you can naturally add fluoride to your diet by consuming more of the following products:

Is Fluoride Safe?

Anything can be dangerous if taken in excess. However, reaching levels at which fluoride might become unsafe by using other-the-counter products or having professional fluoride treatments is not that easy. Typically, other-the-counter products contain quite a low percentage of fluoride, and even though professional solutions are more concentrated, they are applied in a controlled environment at a dental office. Hence, they are highly unlikely to cause any harm. However, if you have any concerns about fluoride side effects you or your child might experience, consult your doctor.

Side effects of excessive fluoride intake mainly include tooth discoloration, which is also called fluorosis—white or brown spots on the teeth. Stop using fluoride products and consult your doctor if you notice these symptoms. Also, fluoride toothpaste is not recommended for children under 6 years of age because they are more likely to swallow it. Make sure your children use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (a pear size) and always spit the toothpaste after brushing.

Make an Appointment Today

Do not hesitate to make an appointment at our dental office in San Bernardino, California. Our specialists emphasize the importance of preventive dentistry care, which includes professional cleanings and fluoride treatments. We use modern methods and up-to-date equipment to take care of your oral health. We look forward to your visit to the Dream Smile City dental office.