Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally. It is usually helpful in the fight against tooth decay and is mostly recommended when you are at high risk of getting dental diseases.
What Can Increase Your Risk of Dental Caries?
Dental cavities mostly occur when there is a buildup of bacteria on gums and teeth due to poor oral hygiene. Here are other causes of cavities:
- Weak enamel
- Poor diet
- Decreased saliva production in the mouth
- Failure to get the regular professional dental care
- Using drugs excessively
- Gum disease
- A combination of active orthodontic treatment with poor oral hygiene
- Exposed dental roots
- Failure to properly care for existing restorations
- Undergoing head and neck radiation therapy
Importance of Fluoride
- They help rebuild a tooth’s strength
- Fluoride increases the enamel’s ability to resist corrosion
- It helps fight bacteria that injure the gums
How Can You Get Fluoride?
- From toothpaste
- Treatments at the dentist
- In dietary supplements and water
When Should You Go for Fluoride Treatments?
If you have dental structures that easily develop tooth decay or have weak enamel, you should try fluoride treatments. Also, sometimes fluoride from food and water may not be adequate to prevent decay, requiring fluoride treatment. Your dentist may recommend professional or at-home fluoride treatments if you have:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Inadequate fluoride exposure
- Tooth decay history in your family
- Sensitive and exposed root surfaces
- Frequently take carbohydrates and sugar
What Are Fluoride Treatments Like?
The fluoride comes in the form of varnish, gel, or foam. It is usually applied on chewing surfaces with a brush, a swab, or a tray held close to the mouth.
After applying the treatment, you must wait for about 30 minutes for the fluoride to get absorbed. This also helps the fluoride to repair small damages caused by decay.
According to dentists near you, ——, you can have fluoride treatments every 6 to 12 months depending on your oral health.
How Does Fluoride Work?
Fluoride works in two ways:
- Topical fluoride
Topical fluoride makes dental structures more resistant to decay by strengthening them once they erupt. You acquire topical fluoride from dental products that contain fluoride. These dental products include toothpaste, gels, and mouthwashes.
- Systematic fluoride
This strengthens both the erupted teeth and those developing from the gums. Systematic fluoride is gained from food and water. It can also be acquired as a supplement. Supplements can be in the form of gels and drops. The dentists recommend drops for infants and fluoride tablets for older kids like adolescents and teenagers.
Fluoride Treatments for Children
When a child ingests too much fluoride before the eruption of adult teeth, it can cause dental fluorosis. This makes it recommendable for young children to use toothpaste free from fluoride. Fluoride use in children should be in minimal quantities.
What Are You Recommended to Eat After Fluoride Treatment?
You are recommended to wait 30 minutes after applying the fluoride before you can eat. This enables the fluoride to get absorbed into the enamel.
Some of the food you can eat are:
- Soups
- Hardboiled eggs
- Soft foods like bananas, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and yogurt
Although you are allowed to eat what you want, it would be best to avoid the following foods for a while:
- Sticky foods
- Citruses such as oranges and lemon juice
- Crunchy sweet foods like biscuits and cookies
- Spicy food
What Are the Common Sources of Dietary Fluoride?
- Water
- Black tea
- Grapes
- Wine
- Spinach
- Potatoes
- Fishbones
- Infant formula
What Are the Side Effects of Fluoride?
Using too much fluoride can lead to adverse oral complications that can cause:
- A tooth to having white specks
- Very dense and weak bones.
- Problems associated with the bone structure
Acute fluoride exposure can cause:
- Muscle spasms and seizures
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Vomiting
How Will You Maintain Healthy Oral Practices After Fluoride Treatment?
It is important to remember that fluoride alone does not prevent dental caries. Therefore, you should:
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Floss daily
- Avoid sugary food and beverages
- Avoid smoking
- Brush twice a day
Where Can You Find Fluoride Treatment?
Your family dentistry near you that offers fluoride treatment, preventive dentistry, emergency dental services, among other general dentistry procedures. Do not hesitate to visit our dentistry anytime you need dental care services.