Fluoride Treatment in Woodstock, VT
Every day, the tooth enamel or the protective hard outer layer gains and loses minerals. When acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugars attack the enamel, a process known as demineralization, you are likely to develop cavities. In the early phases of cavities, it is easier to arrest and stop them through professional fluoride treatment, excellent oral hygiene, and regular visits to the dentist.
Sunset Valley Dental provides fluoride treatment in Woodstock, VT, to help strengthen teeth and prevent or stop cavities from forming. We emphasize preventive dentistry since it allows families and individuals to avert repetitive restorative work or treatments that can cost a lot in the long run. Although fluoride occurs naturally in many foods and water, dental care professionals provide fluoride treatment to promote teeth strength and minimize the odds of developing cavities. When you visit us, we will discuss your need for fluoride treatment and provide it as needed.
Types of Fluoride for Dentistry
The water and foods we consume contain fluoride. There are also fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses you can get from pharmacies. Stronger fluoride concentrations in tablet or liquid form need to be prescribed by a dentist. Our dentist may also apply fluoride as gel, varnish, or foam.
The Appropriate Age for Fluoride Treatment
Professional fluoride treatment at a dentist’s office can be provided to infants and kids between 6 and 16 years, and the amounts should be appropriate. Both developing teeth and those that have already grown can benefit from fluoride. As the American Dental Association recommends, you should watch how much infants and young kids use. During the kids’ developmental years, they are prone to enamel fluorosis, which appears as faint white streaks on the enamel.
Make sure you use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste enriched with fluoride while a kid is brushing. Teach the kid to spit out instead of swallowing toothpaste. Kids below six years shouldn’t use fluoride unless a dentist recommends so. We recommend fluoride treatment to adults with dry mouth, gum disease, a history of decay, or wear bridges, braces, crowns, or partial dentures.
Fluoride Treatment Procedure
Our Woodstock, VT, dentist gives you fluoride treatment when you check in for dental exams and cleanings. In most cases, we utilize a liquid-like get poured on customized trays shaped to align with the child’s or adult’s mouth structure. We fill the tray with gel and leave it in the mouth for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the teeth to be soaked by the fluoride.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
Receiving fluoride treatment offers many benefits, including remineralizing your tooth enamel, reversing early tooth decay, and slowing down the demineralization process. It also prevents the growth of bacteria that contribute to cavities. Since most cavities begin to form when demineralization outpaces remineralization, a fluoride treatment gives the enamel the ability to resist acid attack, thus preventing decay and reversing it in the early stages.
How Often to Get Fluoride Treatment?
Most people will get their fluoride treatment every six months; during the same time, they go for routine exams and checks or cleanings. However, depending on a patient’s unique needs, the duration it takes to go for the next treatment may vary. Those susceptible to cavities may need to get the treatment more frequently, for instance, every 3 to 4 months. Talking to our dentist will clarify when you should be coming for your next fluoride treatment.
Since fluoride alone is not adequate to enable you to have cavity-free teeth, it is paramount that you schedule an appointment with our dentist for cleanings and exams and proper advice on fluoride treatment procedures. Visit us today at Sunset Valley Dental to learn more about protecting your teeth and keeping them strong.
