Fluoride Treatment
Spring Hill, FL
 Here at DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care, we perform a wide range of services and treatments with excellence and compassion. We use research and the latest technology to be able to serve the needs of every member of your family. Fluoride treatments have long been an essential part of oral care that we use frequently for all of our patients.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in water, air, soil, rocks, and many foods. It is also part of what makes up our bones and can be used to strengthen teeth. Fluoride makes the tooth enamel, the outside protective layer of the tooth, more resistant to cavity-causing bacteria found in food. Many foods, even some healthy foods, have the harmful side effect of breaking down the tooth enamel in a process called demineralization. To combat this, it is important to give your teeth and saliva a supplement of helpful minerals to help remineralize your teeth, such as fluoride.
Many over-the-counter oral health products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and other supplements include fluoride because of its ability to strengthen the tooth enamel. Because of the benefits of fluoride, many countries, including the U.S., intentionally add a small amount to their water supply.
Beyond strengthening tooth enamel, fluoride prevents the teeth from decaying, losing minerals, and growing harmful bacteria. The American Dental Association recommends fluoridated water because studies have found people were 40-60% less likely to have cavities with fluoridated water. Still, for most people, the fluoride we naturally take in is not quite enough.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatments
Although we all have some exposure to fluoride, it is still important to receive direct fluoride treatments during your regular dental cleaning. By strengthening the tooth enamel, fluoride empowers your teeth to fight harmful bacteria and prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
To get a beneficial dose of fluoride without accidentally ingesting it, you can get a fluoride treatment from us at our office. During a fluoride treatment, we paint a highly concentrated fluoride substance directly onto your teeth. This treatment, often in the form of a rinse or gel, will have a much higher concentration of fluoride than your water or toothpaste has. Afterward, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes so the fluoride can fully bond to your teeth.
The process is easily incorporated into a routine cleaning because it is quick and painless. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends getting a fluoride treatment every 6-12 months. Even children and babies who have just grown in their first teeth should at least be receiving fluoride in their toothpaste.
If you are especially prone to cavities or other oral health concerns, fluoride can help strengthen your dental enamel so you can safeguard your smile. There are several different varieties, so share with us your oral health concerns.
In turn, we can help you find the perfect fluoride supplement for your teeth in-between professional treatments. For more information about fluoride treatments and oral health care in general, please contact DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care or set up an appointment by calling us at (352) 666-9898 today. |
