A general dentist uses fluoride treatments to reverse the early stages of tooth decay and strengthen the teeth so they are less susceptible to decay. Fluoride treatments have been an essential part of modern dentistry, and they help keep teeth enamel healthy.
Enamel is the outer layer of teeth that protects the more delicate inner layers. It is the strongest part of the human body, and it is designed to withstand the attacks of acids made by oral bacteria.
Getting fluoride treatments is an effective way to protect patients with a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Keeping enamel strong prevents acids and bacteria from getting into the dentin and pulp chamber. Conversely, enamel becoming damaged can lead to acids in the mouth rotting a tooth’s structure, increasing the risk of infection.
Fluoride treatments can come in the form of a varnish, gel, foam, or rinse. The treatment can be performed by having the patient rinse their mouth with the product, or it can be poured on a mouth tray that the patient bites down on. The fluoride-infused product can also be brushed onto the patient’s teeth if it comes in varnish form.
Fluoride treatments use products that contain significantly more fluoride than oral hygiene products like toothpaste or mouth rinse. It typically takes a few minutes to perform the treatment, and the patient might be asked to not drink or eat anything for half an hour so their teeth can absorb the product.
Our general dentist recommends getting fluoride treatments twice a year to help protect the teeth against decay. The dentist might also prescribe a fluoride rinse that patients can use at home if their risk of cavities is high. Things that can make a person more vulnerable to tooth decay include:
Fluoride can be found in various natural sources, like natural water bodies, fish bones, and tea. Patients can also get fluoride from artificial sources like tap water, which is fluoridated in most developed countries.
Most dental hygiene products sold nowadays are also infused with fluoride. Dentists recommend cleaning teeth with products that contain fluoride to give teeth enamel maximum protection.
Fluoride-infused oral hygiene products are safe for children as young as three. At this age, the child’s brushing should be supervised by a parent. They only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to clean their teeth and give them all the fluoride that they need.
Most insurance providers cover fluoride treatments, and even if they do not, these are among the most affordable treatments that a dentist performs. So, give us a call or visit our Peabody clinic to set up a session with our general dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.northside-dentalcare.com or call Northside Dental Care, PC at (978) 206-7077 for an appointment in our Peabody office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Peabody, MA.
Seeing a general dentist for regular checkups should be part of your dental care routine. This dental professional can help maintain and even improve your teeth and gum health. Asking the right questions can help you know more about proper oral care. Below are some of the questions you can ask your general dentist during…
Your general dentist is here to provide some information about how to best take care of your teeth. Dental health and hygiene are essential to the overall health and wellness of your body. Without healthy teeth and gums, you will be unable to take in the nutrients and proteins necessary for your body to thrive…
Every person should always schedule and keep routine appointments with their general dentist every six months. These visits are very important in determining the overall health of your teeth and gums. It is at your routine visits that your dentist is able to find and begin treating any type of oral health issue. You want…
A broken tooth is a common dental issue that fills most people with dread, especially when the crack is near the front of the mouth. Front teeth fractures are quite common among children, teenagers, and young adults. Fortunately, a dentist can recommend various repair or replacement options for damaged front teeth to help patients resume…
Those missing teeth and seeking a way to restore their smile should consider dental implants. Dentists and their patients are discovering the many benefits of this tooth-replacement over other options, such as dentures and bridges. If you are missing one or more teeth like so many adults, dental implants offer a way to restore your…
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option among dental professionals. They offer an array of benefits that other tooth replacement options do not, which is why they are often considered state-of-the-art. However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, and dental bridges or dentures are a better fit for some patients. Patients should…