Do You Really Need Flouride?
Fluoride: What does it do? Do you need it? Where do you get it? There are two primary ways that fluoride helps to protect your teeth: Fluoride helps to prevent demineralization (the breakdown of tooth structure) by disrupting bacteria’s ability to cause tooth decay. Fluoride helps to encourage remineralization of your teeth, which may slow or even stop the process of tooth decay once it has started. Who needs fluoride? The following patients would benefit from consistent use of fluoride: If your teeth are particularly sensitive to cold, sweets, or other stimuli. If you are frequently diagnosed with tooth decay or cavities. If you have areas of gum recession where the root surface of your tooth has become exposed. (The root surfaces are very susceptible to tooth
Fluoride: What does it do? Do you need it? Where do you get it?
- Fluoride helps to prevent demineralization (the breakdown of tooth structure) by disrupting bacteria’s ability to cause tooth decay.
- Fluoride helps to encourage remineralization of your teeth, which may slow or even stop the process of tooth decay once it has started.
- If your teeth are particularly sensitive to cold, sweets, or other stimuli.
- If you are frequently diagnosed with tooth decay or cavities.
- If you have areas of gum recession where the root surface of your tooth has become exposed. (The root surfaces are very susceptible to tooth decay and deterioration because they are not covered with enamel.)
- If you suffer from dry mouth due to medications, illness, or aging. (Saliva plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay; so patients with inadequate saliva need fluoride.)
- If you do not brush AND floss every single day.
- If you have multiple fillings, crowns or other restorations. The edges of all restorations are prone to tooth decay and leakage. Fluoride helps to prevent both of these from occurring.
- If you frequently consume soda, acidic foods, or other foods and beverages associated with tooth decay.
- If you are actively undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces, Invisalign, etc.)
- If you are actively undergoing radiation to the head and neck and/or chemotherapy.
- Fluoride may be present in your tap water, depending on where you live.
- Fluoride is present in most toothpastes. Sometimes prescription strength toothpastes with higher concentrations of fluoride, like PreviDent, are recommended.
- Over-the-counter mouth rinses, like ACT, contain fluoride and are recommended as part of your daily hygiene and home care routine.
- Additional fluoride is often provided in professional applications at your routine professional cleaning and examination.
- Children receive fluoride treatments at routine examinations, but adults can also benefit tremendously from routine professional fluoride applications.
- A professional fluoride treatment takes less than 5 minutes, can significantly reduce the likelihood of tooth decay, and can help protect your investment in fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
- Routine fluoride applications can help prevent the need for more costly treatment, particularly if you are at risk for tooth decay.
If you think you may benefit from a professional fluoride application, ask us at your next visit!
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