The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments for Stronger Teeth
You likely use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash and drink fluoride-treated water, all of which help promote healthy teeth. However, a professional fluoride treatment during regular cleaning or other appointments can help build strong teeth in children and adults. Here’s what to know.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in low amounts in soil and some plants and foods. For many years, the United States has used fluoride to improve dental health through several methods, including adding it to drinking water. Dentists also use professional fluoride treatments to help build stronger teeth.
One popular fluoride treatment for adults and kids is fluoride varnish. During a cleaning appointment, your dentist or hygienist paints a high-concentration fluoride solution on your teeth. The fluoride stays for several hours, helping protect your enamel and slow down or prevent decay. For the best results, your dentist will need to re-apply regularly.
Fluoride foam or gel is an alternative to fluoride varnish and often a lower dose treatment. During this treatment, your dentist applies gel or foam to your teeth, either directly or using removable trays, and lets it sit for one to four minutes. They may also prescribe gel or foam to use at home.
A fluoride mouth rinse is a prescription mouthwash you use at home. Rinsing with fluoride helps the mineral stick to your teeth and saliva to rebuild the outer layer and prevent tooth decay. Your dentist may prescribe a rinse if you need stronger daily fluoride treatment.
Sometimes, your dentist may decide you need fluoride pills to support topical treatments. These pills are prescription lozenges or chewable tablets, often used for child dental health. However, they have a lesser effect and may be best used with other treatments.
Silver diamine fluoride is a clear liquid the dentist brushes on your teeth. The liquid is a mixture of antibacterial silver and fluoride and permanently stains cavities black. It’s often used for young children, those who don’t have access to dental care, and those with developmental disabilities.
Fluoride treatments have known benefits for dental and oral health, including strengthening the outer layer of your teeth, preventing tooth decay, and stopping bacterial growth.
Your teeth have a hard outer layer made mostly of minerals and known as enamel. As you eat and drink, bacteria in your mouth create acids that break down these minerals, removing the enamel or surface of your teeth. Fluoride helps replace minerals, strengthening the surface and making it tough to break down.
Fluoride doesn’t completely prevent cavities, but it can slow down, reverse, or prevent tooth decay. Cavities develop when bacteria release acid that breaks down enamel, creating gaps in this protective layer. Without treatment, these gaps widen, and the acid goes deeper, destroying your tooth until a hole or cavity forms. Fluoride treatments help rebuild these gaps, reversing and preventing decay that leads to cavities.
Fluoride has some antibacterial activity and can stop or prevent harmful and cavity-causing bacteria from growing. Fluoride ions enter the bacteria cells, creating an acidic environment and interfering with enzymes, halting activity. Regular fluoride use, through treatments, water, and toothpaste, creates a more powerful effect.
Fluoride treatments help protect your teeth, build strong enamel, and prevent tooth decay and cavities. Our team at Grove City Smiles offer treatments during dental cleanings or as needed, helping you and your family maintain a healthy smile. Request an appointment to get started.
We look forward to meeting you. Call (614) 350-5300 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
