How Can Fluoride Treatment Help You Maintain Oral Health?
The body needs nourishment in the form of micronutrients like minerals and vitamins. Even the teeth need food. The natural source of nourishment that the teeth derive is from fluoride.
Fluoride is available naturally in almost all water sources and even in ocean waters. It is clinically proven that fluoride helps to repair tooth decay and reduce cavities in both children and adults.
Fluoride is absorbed into the enamel when it is exposed to the teeth. The phosphorus and calcium, which is instrumental in strengthening the teeth, are lost over time. The fluoride helps to replenish the lost phosphorus and calcium.
During remineralization, the fluoride present in the water is deposited over enamel. This helps in strengthening the teeth.
Even though fluoride treatment is available in Katy, TX, it is advisable not to use a fluoride treatment for children under the age of two. Oral health is equally necessary to maintain healthy gum and teeth, but fluoride treatment enhances the ability of teeth to fight decay and cavities.
Dental Health and Fluoride Treatment
Dental caries and cavities are caused when bacteria thrive on the plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer formed on teeth and gums. Acids are produced due to the bacterial activity that erodes the gum tissues and the tooth. With time, the bacterial infection breaks the enamel, and the pulp can be affected adversely.
The natural fluoride present in water aids in reducing dental decay and dental cavities. Often the fluoride treatment can also be administered for treating dental ailments.
The most common mode of fluoride treatment is prescribing the use of fluoride toothpaste and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice can aid in the replenishment of the micronutrients lost due to demineralization.
Apart from prescribing a fluoride toothpaste, the dentist may use a high concentration of fluorides in the form of resin, gels, varnish, or foams. Depending on the necessity, even fluoride-rich mouthwash or swab may also be used.
The fluorides are absorbed quickly into the teeth, and you may be requested not to consume any drink or food for 30 minutes.
Fluoride Requirement
Depending on the state of your dental health, the American Dental Association recommends you undergo fluoride treatment every three to six months. If you are in the risk of a dental cavity, the dentist may ask you to undergo fluoride treatments more repeatedly.
The risk of dental cavities can be increased by –
- Poorly maintained oral hygiene
- Poor diet
- Excessive use of alcohol and drug
- Decreased saliva or dry mouth
- Weak enamel
Fluoride can be replenished from the food by the intake of
- Tea
- Water which has high fluoride content
- Fish if consumed with the bones
The optimal amount of fluoride needed by the individual is dependent on their age. The persons in their adolescence and fully-grown individuals require 1.5 milligrams to 4 milligrams of fluorides. The infants require 0.1 milligrams to 1.5 milligrams while the amount varies from 1 milligram to 2.5 milligrams for 4 to 6 years of age.
Side Effects of Fluoride
Consuming or using fluorides within the permissible limit is good. However, fluoride poisoning is a rare phenomenon, but chronic overexposure to fluoride may adversely affect the growth f bones and teeth among children.
Children’s toothpaste is devoid of fluorides. An overdose of fluoride may cause staining on teeth and the formation of white specks on the mature tooth. Often dense bones might be formed, which are not strong enough. Acute toxicity may cause nausea, tiredness, excessive sweating, or even diarrhea.
Takeaway
Fluoride restores and accelerates the process of restoration of minerals like calcium and phosphorous to the tooth enamel — the best way to avoid cavities to avoid plaque.
Plaque is a result of unclean oral health, and brushing at least twice is necessary. Avoiding sugary food and beverages and avoiding smoking will take you another step closer to preventing dental cavities.
The final stage is the utilization of dentures when you would lose teeth due to cavities. Even gums can also be infected if the dental cavities are not treated in time.
Visiting a dentist at least once a year is essential. It also helps you to know about your oral health. We at One Brilliant Dental can help you with the fluoride treatment. Contact us today for a complete oral checkup.