We Help Maintain Healthy, Cavity-free Smiles with Dental Fluoride Treatments

Question 1

How does fluoride boost your oral health?

Answer

The mouth has over 700 species of bacteria, the most harmful. The unwanted bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates from your food and drinks, producing acids as a byproduct. These erosive acids cause demineralization, where the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth (enamel) begins to lose minerals like calcium and phosphate. Over time, this weakens the enamel and makes it prone to tooth decay. Without intervention, the decay can progress deeper into the tooth, affecting the vulnerable inner layers and possibly leading to more severe dental issues.

Fluoride can help reverse early demineralization by promoting remineralization, where lost minerals are redeposited into the enamel. This process can even reverse the early signs of decay. Adequate fluoride levels strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to erosive acids and decay-causing bacteria.

Question 2

What should I expect from fluoride treatments?

Answer

Fluoride treatments are painless, quick, and minimally invasive. The dentist starts your procedure by professionally cleaning your teeth to remove built-in plaque, tartar, and other unhealthy deposits. After drying your teeth, the dentist carefully paints your teeth with fluoride varnish.

Sometimes, the dentist or hygienist applies fluoride gel or foam to your teeth using a tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is filled with fluoride and placed in your mouth for a few minutes, allowing the fluoride to coat the teeth thoroughly.

Whatever the application type, your procedure only takes a few minutes. Fluoride hardens immediately upon contact with saliva, making it a convenient option, especially for children. After application, the dentist will ask you to avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes to avoid swallowing or dislodging fluoride. Similarly, avoid brushing or flossing until after six hours to allow the enamel to absorb the fluoride fully.

Question 3

What are the benefits of fluoride treatments?

Answer

Fluoride applications benefit patients of all ages, including adults. While children are likely to require fluoride treatments because of their vulnerability to decay, anyone can benefit from this preventive treatment.

Here are the benefits of fluoride treatments.

An effective method of decay prevention
The treatment is painless, fast, and conservative
It’s an affordable way to maintain a healthy smile
Fluoride helps with tooth sensitivity
It prevents the need for costly and time-consuming restorative treatments

Question 4

Is fluoride safe?

Answer

Fluoride isn’t harmful for daily water use and oral products. Additional fluoride may be suggested if the levels don’t exceed the recommended safe limits. Excessive fluoride intake, particularly in young children, can lead to dental fluorosis. This is why fluoride treatments require medical supervision to ensure you receive all the protective benefits of fluoride without any risk to your dental health.

Question 5

Ready to protect your teeth with fluoride treatments?

Answer

Fluoride treatments are recommended during bi-annual check-ups, but high-risk patients may need the procedure more frequently. Do you need fluoride treatments in Sarasota, Florida? Call (941) 371-2022 to reserve an appointment with Vital Dental.