Dental cavities are the most common chronic disease in children and teenagers, but adults are also at higher risk of tooth decay. Luckily, fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral found in different sources such as water, food, toothpaste, and mouth rinses, can help prevent tooth decay.
But the amount of fluoride in these sources isn’t always enough to provide your teeth with adequate protection against decay. This is where fluoride treatments come in. These are professional treatments containing a high fluoride concentration that a fluoride treatment dentist or hygienist will apply to your teeth to improve oral health and reduce the risk of cavities.
When bacteria in your mouth break down carbohydrates and sugar, they produce acids that eat away at the minerals in your tooth enamel (the outer protective layer of each tooth). This weakens your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to bacteria that cause cavities. Fluoride varnish repairs and strengthens your enamel by restoring lost calcium and phosphorus, the two vital minerals that harden your teeth and protect them from tooth decay.
At Washington Court House Dental, we believe fluoride treatments for teeth are a crucial component of a comprehensive preventive dental care plan for children and adults. People of all ages are prone to cavities, not just children, and as such, everyone should receive professional fluoride treatments regularly. That’s why we provide safe and highly effective fluoride treatments to patients in Washington Court House, OH.
Yes, fluoride varnish is completely safe! According to the American Dental Hygienists Association, fluoride has been researched and proven to be safe and effective when administered and used as instructed. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Michael Pappas and Dr. R. Taylor Landgraf will conduct a thorough oral health exam to determine the right treatment for you.
At Washington Court House Dental, we provide professional treatments in the form of a highly concentrated fluoride varnish, rinse, gel, or foam. These treatments have substantially more fluoride than what’s in your toothpaste, over-the-counter rinses, or water. We typically use a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash to apply this helpful nutrient directly onto your teeth.
When you come in, we will deep clean your teeth to remove buildup before applying fluoride to your teeth. The process is painless and only takes a few minutes to apply. After, we will ask you to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes so your teeth can fully absorb the fluoride, remineralizing as much of the tooth enamel as possible. We may also recommend a follow-up fluoride treatment every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your oral health.
Fluoride treatment for teeth benefits both children and adults. The earlier children are exposed to fluoride, the less likely they are to develop cavities. That’s because fluoride joins into the tooth structure when teeth are developing to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, making them less vulnerable to bacteria and cavities for life.
Here are some ways you and your family can benefit from fluoride by coming in for regular treatments at the Washington Court House Dental:
At Washington Court House Dental in Washington Courthouse, OH, we are committed to helping you and your family prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Let us help you safeguard your smile for years to come with our safe and highly effective fluoride treatments. Contact us today to schedule your next dental appointment!
Call 740-333-7290 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
