Preventive dentistry focuses on preserving and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums to prevent more serious oral health problems from developing in the future.
One of the most common oral health concerns we encounter with our Gahanna, OH, Blacklick, and New Albany patients is tooth decay. Our dentists at StoneRidge Dental Care recommend regular professional fluoride treatments to help reverse the earliest signs of tooth decay and protect teeth from more serious problems.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral, like calcium, that can strengthen your teeth. You can find fluoride in most dental care products like toothpaste and mouthwash, and many city water systems add it to the tap water to help promote better oral health throughout an entire population. It is a natural and effective way to ensure your smile remains resilient against the daily wear and tear of acidic environments.
How Fluoride Helps Protect Your Teeth From Tooth Decay
Every tooth inside your mouth is covered by a protective outer layer of minerals called tooth enamel. When exposed to acids produced by bacteria in the mouth or when exposed to acidic foods and drinks, tooth enamel breaks down. This breaking down of tooth enamel is called tooth decay. Left unchecked, tooth decay can lead to dental caries (cavities), infections, and other serious oral health problems.
Fluoride (either applied topically or ingested in the water supply) can help restore the minerals in your tooth enamel through a process called remineralization. This reverses early signs of tooth decay and strengthens the tooth enamel throughout your mouth, making it more resistant to future acid attacks.
What To Expect During A Professional Fluoride Treatment
If you have “soft spots” in your mouth that indicate early signs of tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, or a lack of fluoride in your diet and dental care products, our dentists might recommend professional fluoride treatments. These treatments provide a much higher concentration of fluoride than what is found in over-the-counter toothpaste, offering superior protection.
Professional fluoride treatments are non-invasive, pain-free, and easy to apply. They come in several forms, including:
- Varnishes: A thin coating painted directly onto the teeth.
- Gels or Foams: Often placed in a tray that fits over the teeth for a few minutes.
- Rinses: Targeted liquids used during the final stages of a cleaning.
Depending on your preference, lifestyle, and needs, our dentists can help you choose the type of fluoride treatment that works best for you or your child.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Fluoride Treatments?
Professional, topical fluoride treatments are completely safe and risk-free. While a child’s adult or permanent teeth are still developing, there is a chance that ingesting too much fluoride could result in dark areas on their teeth (fluorosis). This typically only occurs if a child has city water, takes dietary supplements, and accidentally swallows too much toothpaste over a long period.
Topical fluoride treatments applied at our office do not cause dark spots or other issues on a child’s teeth because the fluoride is not being ingested. For this reason, we strongly encourage professional fluoride applications to safeguard your child’s teeth through adulthood.
Learn More About Preventive Dentistry
We offer a variety of preventive dentistry services, including fluoride treatments, dental hygiene exams, sealants, and more. To schedule a preventive dentistry appointment with our dentists in Gahanna near Blacklick and New Albany, we welcome you to contact StoneRidge Dental Care today. We are committed to providing the proactive care you need to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime.