Are you concerned about cavities for you or your child? Fluoride treatment is a tried-and-true way of preventing pernicious cavities. If you are looking for a dentist offering fluoride treatment in Southern California, come and visit us at Downey Dental Arts.
Fluoride is a natural mineral (the ionic form of the element fluorine). Fluoride has been safely used for many decades as a cavity preventative. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, the hard protective layer on the outside of teeth. Fluoride also has antimicrobial properties and can reduce the impact of bacteria on the teeth and gums.
Technically, fluoride does not rebuild tooth enamel that has already been lost. However, it can strengthen and remineralize the remaining enamel. That is what makes fluoride so helpful in reducing cavities. Cavities occur when tooth enamel wears down due to plaque and bacteria.
During a professional fluoride treatment at the dentist, concentrated fluoride is applied to the teeth for a specific period of time. The fluoride might come in the form of a gel in a tray or could be a rinse or foam. The fluoride provided at Downey Dental Arts is at a higher concentration than what is in store-bought toothpaste or mouthwash. After the fluoride treatment, avoid eating food or drinking liquids for approximately 30 minutes.
Fluoride is present at safe levels in many commercial toothpaste and mouthwashes. Additionally, trace amounts of fluoride are also added to many city water supplies because it is so helpful in cavity prevention. Drinking fluoridated water can reduce cavities by 40 to 60 percent, according to studies.
Professional fluoride treatments are a way to increase the positive benefits of fluoride in a safe and controlled manner. This can be especially helpful for a patient who has weakened tooth enamel. As with most anything, too much fluoride can become a problem, so a professional dental treatment means just the right amount of fluoride can be used for the best benefits.
While fluoride treatment is common with children (who have a high risk of developing cavities), fluoride treatments can also benefit adults. Anyone who is at high risk of cavities can benefit from a fluoride treatment. If your tooth enamel is weakened for whatever reason, fluoride treatment can help strengthen it.
Of course, poor dental hygiene can increase the risk of tooth cavities. But some people are just more genetically prone to developing cavities. Cavities can also be caused or aggravated by other issues, including:
Getting regular dental checkups and routine teeth cleanings, as well as professional fluoride treatments at Downey Dental Arts, can significantly decrease your chance of cavities.
Fluoride treatment is highly cost-effective and well worth the modest cost of $10 to $30 for one treatment. The good news is your family dental insurance will often cover some or all of the cost of fluoride treatment. That is because fluoride treatment is so highly effective at preventing cavities, and it helps strengthen tooth enamel.
Need Effective, Safe Fluoride Treatment in Southern California?
Downey Dental Arts can help you and your family with this safe and effective treatment, so contact us today by calling (562) 445-3363 to schedule a dental visit.
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