You may already know that fluoride can prevent tooth decay. Yet, did you know that fluoride treatments administered by your dentist can reverse the effects of early tooth decay? When used regularly, fluoride can improve oral health even before you or your dentist notice any issues. You can inquire about fluoride treatment for you and your kids at your next visit to Lovett Dentistry.
Fluoride treatments are an important part of Houston's general dentistry services. Fluoride is absorbed by the enamel of your teeth. Inside your tooth, it restores lost calcium and phosphorus, the two minerals that harden and protect your teeth.
Fluoride from your foods, drinks, and supplements typically helps harden your tooth enamel even before your teeth grow into place. Your teeth will be more resistant to tooth decay if you have hard enamel. Then, as your teeth grow into your mouth, fluoride restores weakened tooth enamel to reverse early tooth decay. Dentists refer to this process as remineralization.
When you brush your teeth and use fluoride products like toothpaste, you deposit more fluoride on the surface of your teeth. This also helps to rebuild your tooth enamel and protect your teeth from decay. Fluoride treatments at the dentist's office and at-home oral hygiene work together to keep your teeth strong and healthy, as well as resistant to decay.
Four methods can assist you in providing enough fluoride for your teeth. Fluoride can be obtained in the following ways:
Fluoride is naturally present in almost all water sources, including rivers, lakes, wells, and oceans. However, public works departments also add fluoride to tap water. This helps to prevent tooth decay and keeps the teeth of your entire family strong and healthy. Children had 300 percent more cavities before public water fluoridation than they do now.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention names water fluoridation as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the twentieth century. Water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 25% or more in people of all ages, even when fluoride toothpaste is used. Approximately three-quarters of Americans have fluoridated tap water in their neighborhood.
Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse, like fluoride treatments in your dentist's office, help prevent cavities. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste easily supplements your dentist's treatment. Simply look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on the toothpaste box or tube to identify fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride mouth rinses also help people over the age of six years resist tooth decay.
If your children require more fluoride for good oral health, your dentist can prescribe a fluoride supplement that they can take every day. These are available in drop, lozenge, and tablet forms for children aged six months to sixteen years. Dentists usually recommend these supplements when the fluoride content of the community drinking water is low or non-existent.
You and your family will receive the necessary fluoride at Lovett Dental, whether through in-office fluoride treatments or prescribed supplements. Your dentist will perform a thorough oral health exam to determine whether you are getting enough fluoride. Lovett Dental also provides the following important dental services:
When you visit Lovett Dental, ask about fluoride treatments and whether you or your children require more of this important mineral. After all, your dentist wants to help you avoid tooth decay and other problems, as well as have the healthiest teeth and gums possible. That is why our patients appreciate how we look after their teeth. To schedule your next visit, call Lovett Dental at 832-804-7427.
Lovett, Splendid & Haven Dentistry
Dental Offices in TX