DO I NEED FLUORIDE THERAPY?

Fluoride is a nutrient necessary to help patients develop and maintain strong, healthy smiles for life. For kids who are still learning to properly care for their smiles, those patients who struggle with chronic tooth decay, and those who have sensitive teeth, oral or topical fluoride therapy may be a great way to improve the strength of tooth enamel. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of fluoride therapy, and when you can benefit from these preventive dentistry services.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral compound that can bind to the porous tooth enamel, strengthening teeth by replacing the weaker hydroxyl molecule of tooth enamel. As your teeth are constantly attacked by acidic plaque produced by oral bacteria, using fluoridated toothpastes and topical fluoride treatments can prevent damage and weakening of the tooth enamel.

Who Should Receive Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatments are beneficial in a variety of situations, including improving oral health for:

• Young children who are still developing their primary or adult teeth and may need oral fluoride supplements if they don’t receive adequate fluoride from tap water or their diets.
• Kids who have developed their primary or adult teeth, may still need topical fluoride treatments during six month dental exams to help them maintain optimal oral health.
• Patients with sensitive teeth who may also benefit from topical fluoride treatments during their biannual dental checkups, and following teeth whitening, we may recommend topical fluoride therapy to avoid dental sensitivity.
• Adults, teens, or kids who experience frequent tooth decay should consider receiving topical fluoride treatment to improve their oral health.

How is Fluoride Therapy Completed?

Topical fluoride treatments are easily applied during any six month dental exam. We simply paint a coat of fluoride onto your teeth, and you’ll allow it to sit for at least half an hour before consuming any foods or beverages. For those patients who need ingested fluoride supplements, our team can provide prescriptions as necessary. In some cases, we may also recommend prescription strength fluoride toothpaste to strengthen teeth every day. For patients with dental sensitivity and those who experience frequent, severe decay, regular at-home topical fluoride gel may be recommended.

Meet the Distinctive Dentistry of Maitland Team

At Distinctive Dentistry of Maitland, our Altamonte Springs dentist and dental care team offer a wide range of treatment options to help patients keep their smiles healthy. We focus dental care plans on helping patients keep their smiles whole and healthy, and fluoride treatments are just one of the many preventive services we offer to strengthen smiles. If you want to learn more about our preventive dentistry services, contact our Altamonte Springs dental team to schedule an appointment with us today.