Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in water and soil. It’s also found in certain foods, like fish, eggs, and tea.

Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel. When administered topically (on the surface of the tooth), fluoride strengthens teeth and makes them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth.

What Are Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments are preventive dental treatments. They help strengthen teeth, reverse tooth decay, and prevent future cavities. In-office fluoride treatments are highly concentrated, and they come in the form of foam, gel, or varnish, which are applied to the teeth for 2-3 minutes.Fluoride treatments have been shown to make teeth up to 10 times more resistant to dental caries (cavities). These treatments are quick and painless and can be completed in as little as one visit.

Fluoride treatments are recommended:

• For children to help prevent tooth decay.
• For adults to prevent tooth decay or remineralize teeth (to help strengthen teeth that already have cavities).
• For seniors to help prevent tooth decay.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in water sources, soil, and foods. It’s present in small amounts in the body, and in most areas, fluoride is safe to use. It’s often added to public water supplies to ensure that people have sufficient amounts to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride treatments offer several benefits. In addition to protecting the teeth from decay, fluoride treatments also offer the following benefits:

• Help prevent cavities
• Strengthens tooth enamel
• Remineralizes tooth enamel
• Reduces sensitivity
• Protects against plaque and tartar
• Prevents root caries
• Strengthens jawbones

Is Fluoride Intake Safe?

Fluoride treatments are safe but can be dangerous if too much fluoride is used. There is typically no benefit, and the risk of fluorosis occurs when proper dosages are not followed. Fluoride supplements are available but should only be taken if prescribed by your dentist. Fluorosis is caused by ingesting too much fluoride, typically for those younger than seven. The symptoms of fluorosis include white spotted, yellow teeth. White spots on teeth typically occur when a child has been exposed to fluoride over an extended period of time, rather than swallowing too much fluoride at once.

To learn more about the procedures offered at Short & Vlosich Family Dental, call us at (806) 374-8011 or visit our dental office located at 3503 S Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX 79119.