Fluoride Treatments Keep Your Enamel Going Strong

Fluoride is something that you learn about as a child.  Maybe you remember filing into the cafeteria at your elementary school as they handed out the little plastic cups of fluoride.  And “now” – sip, swoosh, 29…30… “Spit.”  Ring a bell?  Fluoride remains a leading recommendation by the American Dental Association.  It has been found to strengthen the enamel of teeth, protecting them from cavities and other decay.

When you go in to see your dentist in Stockton for a routine cleaning they will most likely do a fluoride treatment on your teeth.  They use a special substance that helps to strengthen the enamel through a process called remineralization.  Through this process the phosphate and calcium found within the fluoride work to rebuild your teeth’s enamel.

Strengthened enamel is essential to fighting off plaque and decay.  It is basically a buffer from things that can tear down the health of your teeth.  Fluoride lessens the risk of cavities as well, which are a huge problem in children and even in adults.  Having strengthened enamel is also a way of staving off sensitive teeth.  Cold treats won’t need to become a concern with fluoride as a part of your oral health team.

Fluoride has been added to many cities water systems.  Because of this many people, who drink water regularly, are getting the added benefits of fluoride daily despite the type of toothpaste that they use.  Other cities do not have this luxury and so the options for those residents are to purchase fluoride supplements and/or bottled water that contains fluoride.  You want to make sure that small children are not getting too much fluoride, so check with your dentist and pediatrician to determine the right amount for their respective ages.

Ensuring that you get your bi-annual dental exam and cleaning in is one way to be responsible about your oral hygiene.  You can get a great fluoride treatment at each of these cleanings that will help to establish good oral health.  By getting these treatments, choosing a toothpaste or mouth rinse that includes fluoride, and by making sure that you are taking fluoride supplements where necessary you are creating habits for a healthy and happy mouth.

Visit your Stockton dentist to learn more oral hygiene tips.  While fluoride can help stave off cavities, tooth sensitivity, decay, and other problems it is only one part of the solution to overall oral health.