Prevent Dental Cavities and Tooth Decay by Using Fluoride
Paradise Valley, AZ
 Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is caused by acid-producing bacteria found in the plaque that forms around your gums and teeth. These acids attack your teeth and trigger the process of demineralization, which strips vital minerals from your enamel. Luckily, we eat and drink foods throughout the day that helps redeposit these minerals through the process of remineralization. Tooth decay occurs when the rate of demineralization exceeds that of remineralization. If you are experiencing tooth decay and brush and floss regularly, professional fluoride treatment may be an option to prevent further dental cavities.
What are the Types of Fluoride Treatment?
Depending on your situation, there are multiple options for receiving fluoride treatment. Professional fluoride treatments have a much higher level of fluoride than store-bought products, such as toothpaste or mouthwash. If you are more susceptible to developing tooth decay, a professional fluoride treatment may be your best option.
Topical Fluoride Treatment
Topical fluoride can be applied to the teeth as a varnish, gel, or foam. Varnish is painted onto the teeth, the foam is put in a mouth guard, and gels can be applied both ways.
Systemic Fluoride Treatment
Patients who need an extra boost in fluoride can benefit from supplement pills or fluoridated water. Maximum reduction of dental caries occurs with the use of both topical and systemic fluoride.
Frequently Asked Questions for Fluoride Treatment
How Long Does Fluoride Treatment Take?
Most professional treatments take just a few minutes.
Can I Eat After Fluoride Treatment?
After the treatment is complete, you will be asked to abstain from eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes. This allows your teeth to properly absorb the fluoride and repair minor instances of decay.
How Often Do I Need Fluoride Treatment?
Depending on your oral health, you may need to receive fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months. Most patients receive a fluoride treatment during their biannual cleaning and exam. Dr. Moyer may also recommend other forms of preventative treatment if you are at a greater risk for cavities and decay.
Should My Child Get Fluoride Treatment?
Studies have shown that professionally applied topical fluoride treatments can effectively decrease dental decay in children. Fluoride will strengthen the enamel and reverse decay, increasing the longevity of your child's permanent teeth.
What If My Child Does Not Get Fluoride Treatment?
If primary teeth experience decay or prematurely fall out, it can have drastic consequences for their permanent counterparts. For example, severe decay in primary teeth can be transferred to their permanent teeth before the eruption. If a primary tooth is lost prematurely, their remaining teeth will compensate for the open space. This can cause complications when they primary tooth begins to erupt.
Do I Need Fluoride Treatment?
Treating dental cavities is important, but preventing them is ideal, but there are several conditions that can cause adults to need additional fluoride treatment:
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Gum recession and gum disease that has exposed your roots to more bacteria and increased the likelihood of decay.
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Conditions that cause dry mouth, which are more likely to experience decay due to the lack of saliva that helps wash away food and neutralize acids.
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Existing dental restorations that make it harder to clean certain areas.
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Poor diet and a history of decay
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Deep grooves in the bite plane. |
Do you Have Questions About Cavities or Fluoride?
If you would like to learn more about how to prevent or treat cavities and tooth decay with fluoride treatment in Paradise Valley, call us today at 480.935.6295. We are always more than happy to answer your questions! |
