A general dentist uses fluoride treatments to reverse the early stages of tooth decay and strengthen the teeth so they are less susceptible to decay. Fluoride treatments have been an essential part of modern dentistry, and they help keep teeth enamel healthy.
Enamel is the outer layer of teeth that protects the more delicate inner layers. It is the strongest part of the human body, and it is designed to withstand the attacks of acids made by oral bacteria.
Getting fluoride treatments is an effective way to protect patients with a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Keeping enamel strong prevents acids and bacteria from getting into the dentin and pulp chamber. Conversely, enamel becoming damaged can lead to acids in the mouth rotting a tooth’s structure, increasing the risk of infection.
Fluoride treatments can come in the form of a varnish, gel, foam, or rinse. The treatment can be performed by having the patient rinse their mouth with the product, or it can be poured on a mouth tray that the patient bites down on. The fluoride-infused product can also be brushed onto the patient’s teeth if it comes in varnish form.
Fluoride treatments use products that contain significantly more fluoride than oral hygiene products like toothpaste or mouth rinse. It typically takes a few minutes to perform the treatment, and the patient might be asked to not drink or eat anything for half an hour so their teeth can absorb the product.
Our general dentist recommends getting fluoride treatments twice a year to help protect the teeth against decay. The dentist might also prescribe a fluoride rinse that patients can use at home if their risk of cavities is high. Things that can make a person more vulnerable to tooth decay include:
Fluoride can be found in various natural sources, like natural water bodies, fish bones, and tea. Patients can also get fluoride from artificial sources like tap water, which is fluoridated in most developed countries.
Most dental hygiene products sold nowadays are also infused with fluoride. Dentists recommend cleaning teeth with products that contain fluoride to give teeth enamel maximum protection.
Fluoride-infused oral hygiene products are safe for children as young as three. At this age, the child’s brushing should be supervised by a parent. They only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to clean their teeth and give them all the fluoride that they need.
Most insurance providers cover fluoride treatments, and even if they do not, these are among the most affordable treatments that a dentist performs. So, give us a call or visit our Peabody clinic to set up a session with our general dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.northside-dentalcare.com or call Northside Dental Care, PC at (978) 206-7077 for an appointment in our Peabody office.
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