Fluoride

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 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.

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, reverse early signs of tooth decay, and strengthen the tooth enamel throughout your mouth.

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 to help strengthen your tooth enamel against tooth decay and cavities.

Professional fluoride treatments are non-invasive, pain-free, and easy to apply. They come in several forms, including gels, trays, varnishes, and foams. 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. Children might ingest too much fluoride if you have city water, if you provide your child with dietary supplements containing fluoride, or if your child accidentally swallows too much toothpaste.

Topical fluoride treatments do not cause dark spots or other issues on a child’s teeth. For this reason, we strongly encourage professional fluoride applications to safeguard your child’s teeth through adulthood.

Learn More About Preventive Dentistry in Gahanna, Ohio

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, Ohio, we welcome you to contact StoneRidge Dental Care today.