Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride Treatment
Long before fluoride was acknowledged as a potent cavity fighter, nature was already silently at work. Discoveries in the early 1900s revealed that people in certain regions where the water supply contained naturally occurring fluoride had fewer dental cavities. With decades of research and advancement, fluoride treatment has become a crucial part of modern dental care, recognized for reinforcing tooth enamel and actively resisting decay.
How Does Fluoride Protect the Teeth?
Fluoride is your teeth’s protective barrier, making them resistant to tooth decay. How so? When plaque bacteria and sugars invade your mouth, they produce an acid that targets your tooth enamel, the hard outer shell protecting your teeth.
This is where fluoride acts as a shield for your teeth. By being absorbed into the enamel, fluoride helps repair damage by replenishing lost minerals and strengthening the teeth to withstand future acid attacks.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Fluoride Treatment?
Regular fluoride treatments provide several benefits for dental health. They help prevent tooth decay, promote the remineralization of teeth, delay tooth loss, and support healthy tooth development in children. Additionally, fluoride treatments are both safe and effective tools for maintaining overall dental health.
Types of Fluoride Treatment
Topical Fluoride Treatment
Topical Fluoride Treatment is a highly efficient method to sustain excellent oral health, strengthen the teeth, and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Topical fluoride treatment usually comes as a gel, foam, or varnish, professionally applied to your teeth in the dentist’s office during routine cleanings or checkups.
Systemic Fluoride Treatment
Systemic fluoride treatment is another great strategy against tooth decay. Rather than directly applying to the surface of your teeth, systemic fluoride is ingested, typically through the foods we eat or supplements. It travels via the bloodstream to reach your teeth and gums, strengthening both the erupted teeth and those still developing beneath the gums.