Carrollton Advanced Family Dentistry

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The inadequacy of fluoride absorption which causes thinning enamel is the reason for increased risk of tooth decay. Being a valuable key to good oral health, Fluoride Therapy is safe and effective means of fighting and preventing tooth decay.

Dental cavities caused by acid-producing bacteria eat away your enamel and causes teeth to become more fragile and brittle. This outer layer of enamel is packed with mineral crystals. Losing minerals is called demineralization which in turn without enough replacement leads to tooth decay. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria. Gaining them back is called remineralization. Fluorides also reverse early decay.

Fluoride can be obtained in two forms: topical and systemic.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in water and in many foods, these are Systemic fluorides. Systemic fluoride is ingested through water and supplements and gradually strengthens teeth. Since today's drinking water does not contain fluoride, Topical fluoride substances are adapted which includes fluoridated mouth rinses, gels, foams, and varnishes.

If you are at a moderate-to-high risk of developing caries or exhibiting symptoms like over sensitivity to teeth, bad breath, teeth crack or chip or losing teeth pigmentation, a professional fluoride is highly recommended. The fluoride preparation used in the dental office is a much stronger concentration than that in toothpaste or fluoride mouth rinses that may be available in a store or at a pharmacy.

Fluoride treatments are generally considered simple, professionally it takes just a few minutes.

After the treatment, the patient may not rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on one's oral health status, fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six or 12 months.