Fluoride treatments are one of the easiest ways to help you fight cavities. In fact, when you come to your dentist’s office at Lovett Dental Webster, your dentist will apply a fluoride treatment to repair the early stages of decay. Fluoride reverses damage and restores the health of your teeth before you or your dentist sees problems. Talk to your dentist today about getting fluoride treatments for your children and yourself.
How do Fluoride Treatments Work?
When you get a fluoride treatment at Lovett Dental Webster, your dentist will apply it to your teeth directly. The enamel of your teeth absorbs the fluoride. Once it is inside your tooth, the fluoride restores the calcium and phosphorous to your enamel. These minerals harden your teeth and work to protect them.
Fluoride is essential to the process dentists call remineralization. When you’re a baby, and your teeth haven’t grown in yet, your teeth get fluoride from your food, drink, and other supplements. This helps your tooth enamel grow harder and resist tooth decay. When your teeth do grow in, the fluoride restores any weakened tooth enamel and reverses early decay.
When you brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, you put fluoride on the surfaces of your teeth. Home oral healthcare also rebuilds your enamel and protects your teeth. When you add in the fluoride treatments, you keep your teeth healthy and strong.
How Can I Get Fluoride?
There are four ways to get fluoride. These methods include:
- Using toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride
- Drinking water that contains fluoride
- Taking fluoride supplements
- Visit your dentist for fluoride treatments
Let’s take a closer look at each method.
Use Toothpaste and Mouthwash that Contain Fluoride
Toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride can prevent cavities. It is relatively simple to supplement the treatment from your dentist. Look for a fluoridated toothpaste by finding the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on the box. If you’re over six years old, a mouthwash that contains fluoride also can help you.
Get Fluoride from Your Drinking Water
Fortunately, most water sources in Texas naturally contain fluoride. Public works departments also add fluoride to your tap water. Though you may object to this, before they added fluoride to the tap water, children were much more likely to get cavities. By adding fluoride, they help prevent tooth decay, and you keep your family’s teeth healthy. Most Americans receive tap water that contains fluoride.
Take Fluoride Supplements
If your child needs more fluoride to keep your teeth healthy, your dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements. They may come in a lozenge, drop, or tablet form for children from six months to sixteen years old. If your community has too little or no fluoride, this may be the next best option for you.
Learn More About Fluoride Treatments at Lovett Dental Webster
When you come to Lovett Dental Webster, you will receive the professionally applied fluoride you need during your teeth cleaning. Your dentist will conduct a complete oral health exam to make sure that you will receive enough fluoride. Our other treatment options include:
Talk to us today about your fluoride treatments. We can tell you if you or your children need more fluoride. Your dentist’s job is to help you prevent decay and other problems so that you can enjoy healthy gums and teeth. Our patients love how we take care of their smiles. Call Lovett Dental Webster at 832-932-5584, or contact us online if you have questions about fluoride treatments or if you want to schedule your next visit. Love your smile again.