Four Facts About Fluoride Treatments to Know
Brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups, and professional cleaning are all ways of preventing dental cavities. But, you also need fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that is essential for teeth protection.
Getting fluoride treatment on Katy, TX offers great benefits. But, before you come for your treatment, here are four facts to know about fluoride.
1. It Strengthens the Teeth and Prevents Cavities
Every day, two processes take place in the mouth: demineralization and reabsorption of the minerals. Demineralization is the loss of salts like calcium and phosphorous from the teeth. When you consume sugar-rich foods, the bacteria break the food and produce an acid solution, which in turn attacks the enamel causing it to lose minerals.
The enamel can repair itself and reverse the demineralization process using minerals from saliva and fluoride toothpaste. If proper reabsorption does not occur, the enamel becomes weaker and prone to cavities.
Using fluoride can help reverse the demineralization and strengthen the teeth.
It is recommended to get fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months. But, the dentist may recommend frequent treatment if you are at an increased risk of getting cavities.
2. You Can Get Fluoride from Different Sources
Fluoride is found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and fluoridated water. Fluoride treatment is also available in two options– topical and systemic.
Topical professional teeth whitening is done at the dental office and it involves the use of foam, varnish, or gels. The dentist will apply the solution on the teeth and for proper absorption, you should avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes. The professional fluoride treatment is recommended because it contains a high fluoride dosage.
Systemic fluoride treatment includes supplements and fluoridated water (anything that can be ingested). For effective treatment, you need both topical and systemic treatments. However, speak to the dentist before taking fluoride supplements.
3. Fluoride is Needed for Several Conditions
Although fluoride treatment in Katy is a routine treatment, it is needed to treat several dental problems like:
- Dry mouth
Dry mouth or Xerostomia is the lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is needed not only to clean off the food particles in between your teeth but to maintain a neutral ph. Cavities thrive in an acidic environment that is created by consuming sugary foods. Lack of saliva makes the mouth susceptible to cavities and decay.
Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and make it less prone to decay. Plus, drinking fluoridated water will help increase saliva production that will reduce bad breath and neutralize the ph.
- Radiation therapy
A radiotherapy is a treatment option for tumors and neck cancer. However, prolonged use of the treatment will damage the salivary glands affecting saliva production. Furthermore, the treatment also affects the dental tissues which increase the demineralization of the teeth. These two factors increase the risk of dental cavities.
Fluoride treatment can combat negative post-radiation effects. The dentist will give you a custom-fit fluoride tray that is applied for a few minutes daily to strengthen the teeth.
- Gum disease
Periodontal disease is an infection affecting the gums. In its advanced stages, the infection causes the gum to recede, exposing the root. This makes the teeth prone to decay and cavities. Furthermore, if left untreated, gum disease can cause the bone to deteriorate and further damage the teeth.
The dentist will recommend fluoride treatment along with other gum disease treatment to combat decay.
- History of dental cavities and age
Fluoride treatment is recommended for children because they are prone to decay. The dentists use the fluoride varnish to strengthen the teeth.
4. Fluoride has Side Effects
When used in excess, fluoride can cause fluorosis. Excess fluoride leads to discoloration, dense, but weak bones, and acute toxicity which can be fatal.
Proper dental care including professional teeth cleaning and checkups will help to preserve your oral health. However, watch your nutrition and lifestyle. Certain foods can help strengthen your teeth such as yogurt, cheese, broccoli, salmon, and whole grains. Avoid smoking, overconsumption of sugar, and excess intake of alcohol.
Schedule an Appointment
Anyone can benefit from fluoride treatment, however, if you have recurrent dental cavities, visit One Brilliant Dental for your proper fluoride treatment.