Understanding the Process of Professional Fluoride Treatment

Dentists in Roanoke, VA provide fluoride varnish, rinses, and gels to offer professional fluoride treatment. the treatment is meant to reinforce the strength of teeth. It is especially beneficial for people who are at a high risk of dental cavities. This is why fluoride treatment for kids is popular in dentistry. It is, however, not to say that adults cannot benefit from the treatment. If anything, at Kids First Dental, we encourage parents and children alike to get the treatment. read on to learn all about the fluoride treatment process, as well as its benefits.

More About Fluoride Treatment

It is the use of fluoride elements to strengthen teeth. Fluoride is a natural element present in natural sources, including tea, boiled foods, tap water, fish with bones, to mention a few. A fluoride treatment dentist will tell you that the fluoride treatment has a higher concentration of fluoride than that which is present in the natural sources.

This treatment is essential as a preventive measure for fighting dental cavities. Cavities are holes that are formed on teeth as the initial process of rotting, in time, the cavities become entry pints for bacteria to get into the inside of a tooth, further spreading the infection. If the bacteria break through to the inside of a tooth, it goes forward to harm the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. However, something can be done to slow down the decay process.

Fluoride treatment creates a barrier on teeth’s surface. This adds an extra layer of protection on teeth. Technically, fluoride cannot stop a tooth from decaying. It is only good for preventive measures, ensuring that the tooth is protected from the decay process.

What Happens During the Fluoride Treatment?

The treatment is administered in the form of gels, varnishes, foam or rinses. They are usually more concentrated than the fluoride from natural sources. The increased concentration is what ensures the effectiveness of the treatment.

Applying fluoride on teeth is a simple and quick process. The dentist will use a brush or swab to apply it to your teeth. The fluoride is then allowed to set in your mouth for a couple of minutes. Your dentist will even ask you to avoid eating anything for about 30 minutes or so after your treatment. this allows your teeth to properly absorb the fluoride, for successful results. After this, you are free to resume your daily activities.

The concentration of fluoride for treatment should be controlled. Too much of it can be harmful to your teeth. Some of the consequences of using too much fluoride treatment include:

• Stains on teeth – usually looking like white specks that do not wash off easily.
• Bone homeostasis complications
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating, to mention a few.

The toxicity of fluoride element can be prevented by ensuring that just the right amount of concertation is used to treat your teeth. A dose that is too high can easily be avoided by ensuring that only a dental expert offers you the treatment.

What is the Importance of Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral. Its main role is to restore minerals on the surfaces of teeth. These are the main areas where bacteria can attack the enamel, causing erosion. More to it, the mineral also prevents the growth of harmful bacteria from growing in your oral cavity. The fluoride also creates a barrier by adding an extra layer on your teeth. This strengthens your teeth. As a result, the mineral helps prevent cavities. Studies show that children who have had fluoride treatments in their cavity-prone years have a lesser likelihood of having dental cavities.

Is Fluoride All You Need?

While the treatment will do a lot for your teeth, it is not a one-off solution. Many other efforts count in the overall health of your oral cavity. The treatment is only healthy to consider every 6 or 12 months. Other than that, you have to keep up with other healthy oral habits, including the following:

• Brushing your teeth twice every day – it is better to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, along with other teeth cleaning agents.
• Regular dental visits – the visits will allow your dentist to check the health of your teeth. This means he/she can rightfully suggest when you need fluoride supplementation or not.
• Nutritional adjustments – to include foods rich in fluoride.