The Benefits of Fluoride Treatment for Your Teeth
What Is Fluoride Treatment?
It is a treatment in preventive dentistry that enriches teeth with fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral, typically found in foods and drinks, that strengthens teeth and keeps them healthy. Usually, people should obtain fluoride from foods like boiled foods, water, tea, and fish eaten with bones. However, naturally-obtained fluoride is not always enough to keep teeth strong and healthy. Therefore, you need to visit a dentist for a treatment that will re-mineralize your teeth.
How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment works better when done regularly. However, it depends on your initial oral health status. The dentist can recommend retreatment every three, six, or twelve months. Patients prone to dental cavities need more fluoride treatments in a year than others. Liaise with your dentist to find the right frequency for your fluoride treatment.
How Does Fluoride Benefit Teeth?
Fluoride treatment has many benefits to teeth, which is why kids’ dentists in Columbia, SC, are fond of the treatment. Some of the benefits include:
- Increased mineral absorption – your teeth will better absorb and utilize minerals after fluoride treatment. All the minerals you consume in your daily foods will benefit your teeth’ health and strength.
- Lowering the risk of bacterial infections – fluoride treatment increase teeth’ resistance to acids and bacteria that erode teeth enamels to cause infections.
- Reversing cavities – if you get fluoride treatment during the early stages of cavity formation, it can reverse the process. The treatment destroys the bacteria that cause decay, slowing down and reversing the cavity development. However, fluoride treatment cannot eliminate full-blown dental cavities.
- Reduced need for restorative treatments in the future – if you get a fluoride treatment at the right time, you may avoid getting dental fillings or undergoing root canal therapy later in life. In essence, fluoride treatment saves you lots of costs in the future.
- Brightening teeth – although fluoride treatment does not directly whiten teeth, it can result in a brighter smile. For one, it fights bacteria and acids that erode the enamels and causes yellowing. Further, fluoride re-mineralizes your teeth, keeping them healthy and strong.
Who Can Benefit from Fluoride Treatment?
In many cases, fluoride treatment in Columbia, SC, is available in pediatric dentistry. The reason is that children need extra help to boost their strength and improve the health of their natural teeth. However, fluoride treatment is not just available in Kids First Dental solely for children. As an adult, you can book an appointment with Dr. Harold Jablon to get fluoride treatment for your teeth. It will still be as effective, provided you continue to care for your teeth well after the treatment.
Tips for Caring for Your Teeth After Fluoride Treatment
The in-office fluoride treatment once every few weeks is not enough to keep your mouth healthy. Besides, your oral health is not only dependent on teeth. Instead, you must cater to the rest of your oral cavity to maintain healthy and strong teeth. Some tips to care for your oral health after fluoride treatment are:
- Quit smoking – usually, the dentist will have you avoid smoking for the first 30 to 45 minutes after fluoride treatment. However, if you want fluoride to be effective for a long time, you should quit smoking altogether.
- Visit your dentist regularly – one fluoride treatment is not enough for a lifetime. Visit your dentist every 3 to 6 months for retreatment and regular dental cleanings, among other preventive dental services.
- Keep your mouth clean – never compromise on good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily is paramount to maintaining a clean mouth.
- Eat healthily – foods and drinks directly impact oral health. You will significantly lower the risk of dental cavities and other oral infections if you are keen to choose foods wisely.
- Mind your oral habits – hard foods and non-food items are bad for your teeth, risking chips, cracks, and breaks. Other dental habits like teeth grinding or biting fingernails compromise your teeth’ strength and health.
- Use fluoride toothpaste – find good-quality fluoride toothpaste to keep your mouth clean after you leave the dental clinic.