What can fluoride do for
your dental health? Fluoride is an important part of preventative dental
maintenance. It wards off dental cavities by allowing your teeth to become stronger
against acids in the mouth. These mouth acids are caused by plaque bacteria
which become mixed with sugar. When this happens, vital minerals that the teeth
need to stay strong are diminished. This process, called demineralization,
leads to tooth decay if the minerals are not replenished.
Fluoride for Children
Fluoride not only repairs
the surface damage of the enamel, it strengthens developing teeth as well.
According to Web MD, when fluoride is given to children younger than
six, the fluoride actually becomes a part of the healthy development of their
permanent teeth. They explain further by saying that it is important for
children to receive topical fluoride treatments from 6 months to 16 years of
age.
There are several groups of
patients which may benefit the most from fluoride treatments performed at their
family dentist. Oral care specialists have fluoride treatments in their offices
with much higher concentrations than are available over the counter. If you or
someone you know has the following conditions, it may be especially beneficial
getting fluoride treatments from the family dentist:
- Those who already have gum
disease,
- Individuals who have had cavities
before,
- People suffering from dry mouth
conditions,
- Dental patients who have braces, bridges, or crowns.
Fluoride treatments are
typically covered by insurance for children 1 or 2 times a year and are an
affordable addition to adult cleanings as well.
Fluoride and Safety
Fluoride is a naturally
occurring mineral that is found in water and different types of foods. Many
people wonder about the safety of fluoride in their water supply. City drinking
water generally is not at risk of having too much fluoride. Higher levels of
natural fluoride are found more often in well water. Is fluoride completely
safe? According to Web MD, fluoride is safe when used at the dose
intended. However, fluoride can be toxic when ingested in high doses. For this
reason, keeping fluoride products out of the reach of little hands is an
important precaution. However, used responsibly as an appropriate part of an
oral care regimen, fluoride can be both beneficial and safe.
Ready for Fluoride?
Ask your dentist or
dental hygienist what options are right for you! They might recommend that you
have a fluoride treatment in the office or they might suggest a few brands of
tooth pastes that contain fluoride for daily use. The perfect time to ask is at
your next dental cleaning. Give your teeth some TLC and request an appointment
or give us a call at 281-646-8888.
Sources: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/fluoride-treatment
