You are thinking of going to a dental office to get fluoride treatments, but you are not quite sure yet. You know that fluoride helps prevent cavities, but do you need a fluoride treatment? Find out more about fluoride treatments to determine if you should schedule one.
Many people know that fluoride fights cavities, but few know how. Fluoride treatments strengthen the enamel, making it more difficult for cavities to form.
To understand this, one must understand the process of demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization occurs when people eat and drink items that contain sugar. The sugar attracts bacteria, and then acid forms. Acid removes calcium and phosphate from the enamel and makes it softer. This leads to decay. It is important to understand how fluoride impacts this process.
Remineralization is a process that repairs enamel. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate. Salivary glands go into overdrive during demineralization to add minerals back to the enamel. Fluoride makes the remineralization process more powerful, improving the strength of the enamel.
Fluoride plays an important role in preventing tooth decay. It can even repair teeth that are in the early stages of decay. Patients who are at high risk for cavities can go to a dental office to get a fluoride treatment.
While anyone can get cavities, some people are at a higher risk than others. Poor oral hygiene is one risk factor, but it is far from the only one. Other risk factors include:
Those who are at high risk should visit the dentist.
Both children and adults can get fluoride treatments, but some insurance policies only cover treatments for children. People can talk to their dentists prior to treatment to find out if it will be covered.
Some people have dental anxiety, so the idea of going to a general dentist for a fluoride treatment is overwhelming. However, the treatment only takes a few minutes, and shots are not required.
The general dentist might use a varnish, foam, gel or solution for the fluoride treatment. There are two options for applying the treatment. The dentist might use a brush or swab to apply it to the teeth, or a tray. If the fluoride is placed in a tray, patients must hold it in their mouths for several minutes.
Fluoride treatments at the general dentist can help you get healthier teeth. Fluoride strengthens enamel and is especially beneficial for those who are at high risk for cavities. The process is quick, and it might even be covered by insurance. Contact your dental office to find out more about these treatments.
Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Wondering about the importance of aftercare following an emergency dentist visit? Read on to learn more. No one wants to end up at the emergency dentist, but if you do, understand that the process of treating the issue does not end when you leave the office. Emergency dental care is meant to stabilize a condition,…
A preventive dentist strives to keep the teeth and gums healthy through regular dental checkups and cleanings. Combined with good oral hygiene, this quality care can help reduce the likelihood of tooth decay, gum disease, and sudden dental emergencies. No matter how old or young the patient may be, consistent visits provide a clear path…
A visit to your emergency dentist may sound hectic. It does not have to be. You can prepare well in anticipation of a possible dental emergency. Knowing how to prepare for this visit can keep things calm while heading to the emergency dentist.An organic rinse of salt water is a good way to kill bad…
It does not take much for a dental emergency to occur: For example, a baseball to the face during a weekend game can knock out a tooth, leaving you scrambling for an emergency dentist. This article examines the various methods that emergency dentists employ to provide prompt relief to patients experiencing severe dental injuries or…