River Walk Dental Orthodontics
Fluoride Treatment
San Antonio TX
Our team provides you with the friendly, gentle & affordable dental service you need.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is quite an effective agent available that helps prevent tooth decay. Besides just being a mineral present in varying amounts, it also strengthens the teeth. It makes the teeth resistant to decay. Fluoride helps by making the tooth resistant to the build-up of decay-causing plaque and sugars. It also boosts re-mineralization as well as disrupt acid erosion in teeth.
When Is Fluoride Intake Most Important?
It is important for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. This is the time period during which primary and permanent teeth appear. However, adults benefit from Fluoride, too. Topical fluoride from toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments are equally important in fighting tooth decay and strengthening teeth.
Systemic fluoride, on the other hand, strengthens the teeth that have erupted as well as those that are developing under the gums. Systemic fluoride is available as a supplement in drop or gel form. Generally, drops are recommended for infants, and tablets for children up through the teen years. It is very important to analyze the amounts of fluoride a child ingests. If too much fluoride is consumed in the developmental stage, a condition called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) may result.
Fluoride received from food and water is sometimes not enough to help prevent decay. Our dentist may recommend the use of home and/or professional fluoride treatments for the reasons given below:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth
- Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
- Sensitive root surfaces
- Exposure to Fluoride intake
- Inadequate flow of saliva due to medications
Recent history of decay
Fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay. It is important to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly, eat balanced meals, reduce snacks, and go for dental checkups on a regular basis.
