A natural mineral found in teeth, fluoride is a treatment frequently recommended by a family dentist. Fluoride helps prevent cavities, keeps teeth strong, and has been part of healthy oral hygiene for many years. This mineral has an incredible impact on the enamel of the teeth, the hard protective layer around the nerves. It also helps reduce the harmful bacteria that accumulate on the teeth and gums. Although fluoride is an active ingredient in most toothpastes, many people can benefit from the concentrated dose in a fluoride treatment at a dental appointment.
Understanding the facts about fluoride can prepare you to respond appropriately when asked whether you would like a fluoride treatment.
There are several ways a fluoride treatment can be administered. Some dentists put foam or gel in a tray that sits in the mouth for a few minutes. Other offices use a brush or swab to apply a varnish that remains on the teeth throughout the day. A family dentist may also provide a rinse or mouthwash of highly concentrated fluoride that can be swished around and promptly spit out. If one of these methods seems more preferable, it is a good idea to ask the office staff which treatment types are offered before the date of the appointment.
How often a dentist recommends fluoride depends largely on oral health. Those with a current dental condition or who are at high risk of decay or cavities can benefit from having a treatment as frequently as every three months. In cases like these, a dentist may also suggest using a special gel, prescription toothpaste, or a fluoride rinse at home. Fluoride treatment is typically recommended to most people every six to 12 months. Patients should not rely solely on the fluoride found in toothpaste and water, although the American Dental Association also recommends getting fluoride from both sources.
In addition to helping prevent cavities, fluoride treatments can replace minerals eroded by bacteria. This creates a stronger, more resilient enamel, better equipped to fight off plaque. Fluoride can also keep decay from getting too deep and penetrating the tooth's nerve.
While the overuse of fluoride is uncommon, the following side effects can indicate a need to lower fluoride intake:
It is important to follow the direction of a dental professional when using fluoride at home, and make sure to heed all warning labels on products containing higher amounts of fluoride.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist Fluoride Treatments in Scottsdale, AZ
Both healthy teeth and teeth with issues can benefit from a fluoride treatment. A family dentist should be knowledgeable about more specific details and able to answer questions as they relate to individual patients and scenarios. This type of treatment can be one of the strongest defenses the teeth have against bacteria and decay.
Request an appointment or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at 480-439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
A family dentist plays a central role in long-term oral health, and choosing the right family dentist helps households stay consistent with preventive care. Because dental needs evolve from childhood through adulthood and into later years, the ideal practice supports a wide range of services in one location. The right choice reduces stress, simplifies scheduling,…
A family dentist might recommend fluoride treatments for patients with decayed or sensitive teeth. These treatments can reverse the demineralization stage of gum disease and strengthen enamel, protecting teeth from decay for up to six months. Fluoride treatments are often performed after teeth cleanings to protect patients until their next routine appointment.Fluoride is a natural…
If you follow recommendations from the American Dental Association, you should visit your family dentist twice a year. These visits provide more than just a cleaning and dental exam; they give you the opportunity to talk with your dentist about proper oral healthcare. While it could be intimidating or embarrassing to open up to your…
When a toothache persists or becomes severe, an emergency dentist can provide immediate relief. Whether it is due to an infection, a cavity, or an injury, prompt dental care also helps to prevent further complications. Understanding what to expect when seeing a dentist about a toothache can help ease concerns.Tooth pain can result from minor…
Finding an emergency dentist as soon as possible in a dental emergency is essential when dealing with sudden tooth pain, trauma, or other urgent dental issues. Delayed treatment can lead to worsening conditions, increased pain, or even permanent damage. Choosing the right provider ensures that emergency care is both timely and effective. Here are three…